Usman Nurmagomedov's latest PFL title defense ended in the most violent finish of his career.
Nurmagomedov knocked out Archie Colgan at the 3:42 mark of the first round to retain the lightweight championship Friday night at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
Nurmagomedov dropped Colgan with a right high kick and a devastating left hand. Colgan returned to his feet momentarily, but Nurmagomedov floored him again with an uppercut and landed shots on the ground until referee Keith Peterson stepped in.
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV WITH THE FIRST ROUND KO 😱#PFLNY | Main Card Live NOW on ESPN pic.twitter.com/mikFN1ZLFx
— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 1, 2026
It was the final fight on Nurmagomedov's PFL contract, making him one of the hottest free agents in MMA. Asked about what could come next in his postfight interview, the 28-year-old Dagestani didn't shed much light on his plans.
"We'll see. It was my last fight," Nurmagomedov said. "MVP, they always trash talk little bit about (UFC CEO) Dana (White) - he doesn't pay. Now we're gonna see how they wanna pay."
Nurmagomedov's free agency comes at a fascinating time. It was announced Thursday that the PFL is merging with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions to create a new combat sports company. Operating under the MVP brand beginning in January 2027, the organization will include MMA and boxing events.
With the victory over Colgan, Nurmagomedov retained the PFL lightweight title for the second time this year, improving his record to 22-0 (1 NC). Colgan, a 31-year-old Denver native, suffered the first loss of his career, falling to 13-1 as a professional.
In Friday's co-main event, women's flyweight star Dakota Ditcheva returned from a one-year layoff to defeat Denise Kielholtz via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Ditcheva controlled the action on the feet to secure a lopsided victory. The 28-year-old Englishwoman improved to 16-0 as a pro and could fight for the PFL women's flyweight title in her next bout.
