Magomed Umalatov: ‘I’m Going to Beat Everybody’

Magomed Umalatov has done nothing but pile up wins since he joined the Professional Fighters League in 2021, but outside forces have prevented him from strapping a championship to his waist thus far. Even so, he views himself as the sport’s best at 170 pounds and aims to prove it in the days and months ahead.

Umalatov will face Bellator MMA veteran Neiman Gracie —a short-notice substitution for the injured Don Madge —in the welterweight semifinals at PFL 9 this Friday in Washington, D.C. The undefeated Russian enters the match carrying a perfect 16-0 record, with 11 of those wins having resulted in knockouts.

“My goal is to be champion, to be the best welterweight in the world,” Umalatov told Sherdog.com. “I’m glad to be part of the PFL. This is one of the best promotions right now. This year is one of the stronger [seasons] because of the new fighters that came from Bellator. This is a chance for me to prove I’m the best.”

The addition of Bellator talent has already impacted Umalatov’s 2024 campaign, as he defeated Brennan Ward and Andrey Koreshkov to earn his spot in the Final Four at 170 pounds. It was a new challenge he welcomed with open arms.

“I’m happy because new fighters from Bellator, they’re top guys,” he said. “I’m going to prove I’m the best, and I’m going to have to beat all those guys. From Bellator and the PFL, I’m going to beat everybody and take this belt.”

Running the table and becoming a world champion in the PFL would cement Umalatov’s status as one of the sport’s premier welterweights. It would also bring him a $1 million payday.

“Both matter,” Umalatov said. “For me, it is legacy and money. We fight for money. I’m going to prove why I’m the best, and in doing so, I will get the belt and the money. For me, it’s my dream [to be champion]. I was Eagle FC champion before, and now I want to get a new belt. I want to be a PFL champion.”

Umalatov believes his body of work speaks for itself and will silence the critics in the long run.

“I think this year was high level,” he said. “I’m sure if you ask me now, I’m sure I can beat Top 5 UFC guys. Truly, I know what I can do. I think PFL fighters are high-level fighters, and this year they have been [operating at a] high level.”

In an effort to build his credibility inside the PFL SmartCage and expand his audience outside of it, Umalatov has worked on his English in order to reach out to the media and fans in the Untied States. All of it leads him to believe he can be a major draw for the PFL. The next step involves beating Gracie and doing so in convincing fashion.

“Yes, I believe I am [the next star],” Umalatov said. “What do [the fans] expect? They expect I’m going to knock my opponent out, and I like it because this is my style.”