Morning Report | Henry Cejudo: ‘The PFL is finished’ if they don’t re-sign Usman Nurmagomedov

Henry Cejudo believes the PFL's future depends on re-signing Usman Nurmagomedov. Speaking on the Pound-4-Pound podcast alongside Kamaru Usman, Cejudo laid out a stark assessment: if Nurmagomedov leaves for another promotion, "the PFL is finished. Straight up."

Nurmagomedov, the undefeated PFL lightweight champion, recently became a free agent after successfully defending his title with a first-round knockout of Archie Colgan in July. The Dagestani fighter has become one of the hottest commodities in MMA, reportedly turning down a $2 million per fight offer from the promotion.

Cejudo speculated that Nurmagomedov's asking price could reach three to four million dollars per fight, putting potential suitors—the PFL, MVP, and the UFC—in a difficult position. "I think the UFC can [pay that]. Will they?" Cejudo mused, before suggesting the PFL might be willing to open its checkbook further. "I think the PFL will probably entice more of the money side," he said.

Cejudo outlined two viable paths for Nurmagomedov: sign a lucrative, long-term deal with MVP that "sets yourself up for the rest of your life," or join the UFC at a reduced rate in exchange for an immediate title shot. "If I'm Usman, I'd be like, 'Hey, I said with the UFC, I take a cut on pay, but I want my title shot,'" Cejudo suggested.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Cejudo views Nurmagomedov as a top-three lightweight worldwide and believes he poses the toughest stylistic matchup for current champion Justin Gaethje. A recent incident at UFC Shanghai—when Nurmagomedov rushed the cage following his brother's knockout loss to Song Yadong—may further complicate his path to the UFC, though Cejudo remained optimistic about the fighter's prospects if matters settle.