Nurmagomedov Dominates Hughes and Conquers Vacant PFL Title

Usman Nurmagomedov consolidated his dominance in the PFL lightweight division by defeating Paul Hughes for the second time, securing the vacant championship on 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 prevailed by majority decision. Friday’s fight, although similar in some respects, showed a more convincing victory for Nurmagomedov, with judges’ scorecards of 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47. The fighter, cousin of the legendary 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 commented. “I feel like I won every round, but it was a very tough fight against a very difficult opponent.”

Usman Nurmagomedov

Previously a champion in Bellator MMA, Nurmagomedov has proven to be dominant throughout his eight-year career. Hughes, from Northern Ireland, remained the toughest challenge for Nurmagomedov, despite the two losses.

Hughes’ strategy, based on defense against wrestling and his physical endurance, led Nurmagomedov to possibly the best performance of his career. Although Nurmagomedov managed to take Hughes’ back on several occasions, he did not manage to finish the fight or maintain the position. Hughes had outstanding moments in the stand-up fight, including a strong low kick that affected Nurmagomedov, but he responded with effective striking that closed Hughes’ right eye in the fifth round. Referee Keith Peterson intervened on several occasions 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. Neither of the fighters was penalized for these accidental blows, and they did not seem to affect the outcome.

Nurmagomedov’s reign 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 promotion’s belt system. 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.