“Once Khabib and Islam move on”: Dan Hooker targets Usman Nurmagomedov’s UFC debut with bold legacy challenge after PFL contract comes to an end

Dan Hooker is ready to welcome Usman Nurmagomedov to the UFC if the undefeated PFL champion makes the move. Hooker said he would enjoy beating a fighter carrying one of MMA’s biggest family names. Usman finished his PFL contract with a first round win over Archie Colgan in July and is now in a 90 day exclusive negotiation period with the promotion. A UFC move is possible, but no deal has been confirmed.Dan Hooker wants Usman Nurmagomedov as UFC debut opponentHooker explained his thinking during an interview with Submission Radio. The New Zealander believes Usman could be heading toward the UFC, especially after his PFL contract ended while Islam Makhachev moved up from lightweight.For Hooker, however, this is not simply about welcoming another new fighter. He sees the Nurmagomedov name itself as part of the challenge.“Once Khabib and Islam move on, it was for Usman to come to the UFC. You know, it’s no coincidence that his PFL contract ended. Islam goes up, and Usman’s contract runs out,” Hooker said.He then explained why fighting Usman would mean so much to him.“It’s the legacy, yeah. That would be the exciting thing for me with that fight. Just, you know, we get another chance to stiffen the angle up, go up against the legacy.”Usman has plenty behind his name already. The 28 year old remains unbeaten and improved his professional record to 22-0 when he stopped Archie Colgan in the first round at PFL New York on July 31. That fight was the final bout on his existing PFL deal.The PFL has said Usman entered a 90 day exclusive negotiation window after that fight. So, while UFC talk is growing, his next move has not been decided yet.Hooker is also attracted to the idea of fighting Usman in his home country.“Going to a guy’s hometown and ruining his debut in his hometown, that puts a little fuzzy feeling in my stomach,” he said.Dan Hooker dismisses Ilia Topuria fight talkThere has also been talk of Usman possibly fighting Ilia Topuria if he joins the UFC. Hooker does not believe that makes sense.Speaking to Submission Radio, Hooker argued that Topuria would have too much to lose by facing an unranked fighter who has never competed in the UFC.“I saw outlandish ones that say people are like, ‘Oh, Usman’s going to come in and fight Ilia Topuria.’ Get f**ked, be serious!” Hooker said.He added that he believes other established lightweights may also avoid taking such a risky fight.For now, Hooker has his own job to handle. He is scheduled to face former KSW two division champion Salahdine Parnasse at UFC Paris on September 5. A win would give Hooker a stronger case if the UFC eventually signs Usman.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.