Report: Two-time PFL champ Magomed Magomedkerimov wants release to join UFC

A two-time winner of the PFL welterweight season, Magomed Magomedkerimov, is reportedly eyeing a move to the UFC.

Magomedkerimov (34-6) has spent nearly half his professional fighting career under the PFL banner. He’s found plenty of success by winning the PFL’s welterweight tournament in 2018 and 2023, but after last year, the Russian expressed his desire to move away from the season format.

His wish was granted, and a fight against former Bellator champion Jason Jackson was set for PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February. However, Magomedkerimov withdrew due to an undisclosed injury, and has not competed in 2024. His last fight was a season-winning submission of Sadibou Sy at 2023 PFL Championship last November.

Now, Magomedkerimov, 34, would like to be released from the PFL so he can join the UFC.

“I’m waiting for PFL to let me go,” Magomedkerimov told Meta Ratings in Russian (translated by Google). “I want to test my strength in the UFC. If I can come to an agreement with the management to terminate the contract, I will talk about moving to the UFC. If not, I will have another fight.”

Magomedkerimov said he currently has a fight offer on the table to face Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen, but would still like a change of scenery.

“At the moemnt, we are waiting for the situation with PFL to be resolved,” Magomedkerimov said. “After that, we will start communicating with UFC.”