Nurmagomedov Conquers PFL Title: Defeats Hughes in Decisive Rematch

Usman Nurmagomedov demonstrated his dominance by defeating 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 won by majority decision. Friday’s fight, although similar in some aspects, resulted in a more decisive victory for Nurmagomedov, with judges’ scorecards of 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47. At the end of the fight, Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, celebrated immediately, while Hughes seemed to accept the defeat before the official scores were announced.

Do you mean this fight was also close? I feel like I won every round, but it was a very tough fight against a very difficult opponent.

Usman Nurmagomedov

Nurmagomedov, former champion in Bellator MMA, has been dominant throughout his eight-year professional career. Hughes, from Northern Ireland, proved to be his biggest challenge to date, despite the two losses. Although there was tension during the fight, with both fighters provoking each other, both teams showed mutual respect at the end of the match.

Hughes’ strategy, based on defense against wrestling and his physical endurance, forced Nurmagomedov to deliver possibly the best performance of his career. Although Nurmagomedov managed to take Hughes’ back on several occasions, he couldn’t secure a finish or maintain the position. Hughes had highlights in the striking exchanges, including a strong leg kick that affected Nurmagomedov, but Nurmagomedov 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 also happened in the first fight, where Hughes suffered a cut from an accidental headbutt in the fourth round. However, neither fighter was penalized for these accidental blows, and they 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.