Usman Nurmagomedov Defeats Paul Hughes in Thrilling PFL Road to Dubai Title Fight

LockerRoom Team

26 Jan 2025

Usman Nurmagomedov retained his unbeaten record in a gruelling 25-minute battle against Paul Hughes at the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series on Saturday. The World Title Fight lived up to its anticipation, with Nurmagomedov edging Hughes via a majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).

“This is for you guys,” Nurmagomedov said after the win. “Paul Hughes, you are the man. Brother, you’re tough. I underestimated this guy. But I’m still undefeated, undisputed Bellator Lightweight Champion.”

Hughes expressed disappointment with the outcome but called for a rematch in Belfast. “I thought I won the fight. The PFL believed in me, and I believe in the PFL. We have to do the rematch in Belfast,” he said.

The inaugural “Road to Dubai” event, a partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Sports Council, and the Professional Fighters League, showcased top-tier MMA talent and marked Dubai’s rise as a global MMA hub.

Main Card Results:

• Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)
• Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:08 of round one
• Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:22 of round two
• Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
• Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Preliminary Card Results:

• Ahmed Samy def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO at 5:00 of round one
• Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (head and arm choke) at 2:50 of round two
• Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
• John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
• Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO at 3:18 of round one
• Talal Alqallaf def. Saeed Alhosani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)