Mairbek Taisumov to explore free agency, but open to re-signing with the UFC

Mairbek Taisumov’s UFC contract is up, and he will look to test free agency.

Russian lightweight Taisumov (27-6 MMA, 7-2 UFC) tore through much of his competition to become one of the most exciting rising prospects on the UFC’s roster.

He went on a six-fight unbeaten run with five finishes, but in the final fight of his contract at UFC 242 this past September, he dropped a unanimous decision to Carlos Diego Ferreira.

Not ruling out a return to the octagon, Taisumov, who’s been plagued with visa issues during his tenure, also will look at the possibility of a potential new home.

“My UFC contract has run out and right now we’re checking other big offers from popular organizations,” Taisumov told MMA Junkie. “But we’ve also got an option from the UFC to get a new contract. But we don’t get so many fights due to my U.S. visa problems. I have a new lawyer who’s working together with UFC on my visa right now. At the moment, I can’t say where my journey continues – but everything is possible. There will be news in the near future.”

Taisumov currently is in Vienna and splits his time training in Austria and the famed Tiger Muay Thai gym in Phuket, Thailand. After competing three times in his debut year in the UFC, Taisumov only has competed once a year since 2016 due to a mix of visa issues, injuries and a suspension from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.