Javier Mendez: Ilia Topuria toughest fight for Usman Nurmagomedov in the UFC

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (22-0) knocked out Archie Colgan in the first round of PFL New York's main event at UBS Arena in Elmont, completing the final fight on his contract and entering free agency. His coach Javier Mendez stated that if Nurmagomedov moves to the UFC, he would target top fighters like Arman Tsarukyan and Ilia Topuria, whom Mendez considers the toughest potential matchup despite Topuria's recent title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. Mendez believes Nurmagomedov has championship potential in the UFC but expects him to likely face a top-five opponent such as Paddy Pimblett or Max Holloway upon entry.