Archie Colgan Declares Himself Next in Line for Usman Nurmagomedov: "I Don’t Plan on Coming Up Short"

Archie Colgan is brimming with confidence after what he believes was a career-defining performance, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown with PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Following his dominant victory over Mansour Barnaoui, Colgan is convinced that a title shot is not only inevitable but fully deserved.

The unbeaten lightweight prospect revealed that he was told from the start that his matchup with Barnaoui would serve as a No. 1 contender’s bout—a fact that he says makes it crystal clear what should come next.

“I do [expect to fight Usman next]. If I didn’t it would have made no sense [labeling] it as a No. 1 contender’s fight. They should have just called it a showcase fight then. It would have made no sense for them to go the extra mile and say ‘the No. 1 contender’s fight’ and the winner will be fighting Usman Nurmagomedov. They can’t get anymore cut and dry than that. So as of right now, I am expecting to be the next guy who fights Usman.”

While Colgan prepares for the biggest opportunity of his professional MMA career, one man who isn't thrilled about the situation is Paul Hughes. The Irish standout has been campaigning hard for a rematch with Nurmagomedov ever since he dropped a razor-thin majority decision to the champion earlier this year. Hughes even voiced his frustration on social media, urging fans to “quit with the rage bait” when the PFL announced Colgan’s fight as a title eliminator.

Still, Colgan holds firm. He respects Hughes’ performance but believes the title shot now belongs to him. Undefeated at 12-0, Colgan has methodically risen through the ranks, combining relentless wrestling with ever-improving striking to become a legitimate title threat.

“No shade against Paul Hughes,” Colgan said. “I think he’s a great fighter. I think Paul Hughes had his opportunity and he put on a great fight. A very good fight and he came up a little bit short. That was his opportunity at the time. I think that I am due that next opportunity. I don’t plan on coming up short.”

Colgan acknowledges Hughes’ elite takedown defense in his fight with Nurmagomedov, but believes he offers something that Hughes couldn't—offensive wrestling pressure. A former standout at the University of Wyoming, Colgan says he’s not just going to stop takedowns—he plans to land his own and force the champion into unfamiliar territory.

“Not only when [Usman] goes to take me down, it will be hard for him and he’ll know going into it that this guy has a good wrestling base... But also what happens when he gets taken down? He’s never really had to look at fights from that perspective... I will get takedowns. I will score takedowns... I pose an offensive threat [with my wrestling], not just a defensive threat of stopping your takedowns but I’ll take you down.”

While the PFL has yet to lock in a date for the title bout, Colgan anticipates it could happen in October or November. He’s already visualizing the aftermath of a victory and the list of contenders waiting in line, including Hughes, Rabadanov, and perhaps even a rematch with Nurmagomedov himself.

“Of course [I would fight Paul Hughes],” Colgan added. “At that point, the shots are called then. You’re champ, you own the belt, you become the hunted. Whoever they see fit to be the person... There’s going to be a list of guys.”

With a perfect record and the backing of his management, Colgan is not only chasing gold—he's preparing to shake up the PFL lightweight landscape for good.