Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes for the second time, securing the PFL lightweight championship last Friday.
Nurmagomedov, with an undefeated record of 20-0, defeated Hughes (14-3) by unanimous decision in the main event of the PFL Champions Series in Dubai. This 155-pound matchup was a rematch of their exciting fight in January, where Nurmagomedov had already overcome Hughes by majority decision. Friday’s fight showed similarities to the first, but this time Nurmagomedov achieved a more convincing victory, with the judges scoring 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47.
The fighter, cousin of the renowned Khabib Nurmagomedov, celebrated immediately after the fight, while Hughes seemed to accept his defeat before the official scores were announced.
“Do you mean this fight was also close?” Nurmagomedov said. “I feel like I won every round, but it was a very tough fight against a very difficult opponent.
Usman NurmagomedovNurmagomedov, former champion in Bellator MMA, has demonstrated consistent dominance throughout his eight-year professional career. Despite his two losses, Hughes, from Northern Ireland, has proven to be the most challenging rival for him. The tension between the two was evident during the fight, with mutual provocations, although at the end of the match, both teams showed respect.Hughes’ strategy, based on defense against wrestling and his physical endurance, forced Nurmagomedov to deliver possibly the best performance of his career. Although Nurmagomedov got Hughes’ back on several occasions, he failed to finish the fight or maintain the position. Hughes had his moments, such as a powerful kick that affected Nurmagomedov, but the latter responded with effective striking that closed Hughes’ right eye in the fifth round.
Referee Keith Peterson intervened several times due to low kicks and accidental headbutts, something that was also seen in the first fight, where Hughes suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt in the fourth round. However, neither fighter was penalized and these incidents did not seem to affect the outcome.
Nurmagomedov’s reign as champion has been somewhat confusing over the past year, as the PFL acquired Bellator MMA at the end of 2023, but did not immediately dissolve the belt system of the now-defunct promotion. Officially, Nurmagomedov won the new vacant PFL title on Friday. The PFL essentially restarted its championships earlier this year and has several vacant title fights scheduled for 2025.
