Islam Makhachev’s Post-Fight Words: What He Said to Nurmagomedov After Loss

Nurmagomedov was challenged by Alfie Davis in the main event, and the champion cemented his grip on the promotion’s lightweight crown in dominant fashion.

After consecutive decision victories over Paul Hughes, the unbeaten Dagestani found the finish in round three of his showdown with Davis, when Nurmagomedov put the Englishman out cold with an arm-triangle choke.

Makhachev was soon in the cage to celebrate with his teammate and fellow countryman, but he also had something to say to the defeated Davis…

Predict how a fight between PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria would go!

Islam Makhachev has not forgotten what Alfie Davis did to a different teammate

To secure his title shot at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena, Davis won the 2025 PFL lightweight tournament.

After triumphs over Clay Collard and Brent Primus, Davis secured a shock win over Gadzhi Rabadanov to emerge victorious from the 155-pound bracket and book a showdown with his fellow finalist’s teammate.

Makhachev clearly hasn’t forgotten that upset in Charlotte last August, and he reminded ‘The Axe Man’ of the overall score inside the cage after Nurmagomedov submitted him.

“I dared to be great but got choked out,” Davis said in a video posted on his Instagram Stories. “This is the life of elite competition.

“The best line came from Islam Makhachev at the end when I shook his hand. He went, ‘Hey brother, 1-1.’

“Well done to Usman. (He) is a really tricky guy, man. Hard to hit, really tricky on the floor,” he added.

Usman Nurmagomedov could follow in Islam Makhachev’s footsteps

While he continues to ply his trade in the PFL cage, Nurmagomedov is being tipped to do what both his cousin and Makhachev did.

Many want to see Usman join the likes of Ilia TopuriaJustin Gaethje, and Max Holloway in the UFC lightweight shark tank, where he is widely expected to end up down the line.

Khabib Nurmagomedov is already calling Usman better than Topuriaand the Dagestan team has long predicted that the 21-0 star will succeed ‘The Eagle’ and Makhachev on the UFC throne.

Saturday’s result marked the penultimate fight on Usman’s current contract, meaning the door could soon be open for Dana White and co. should he opt against re-signing with the PFL.