Nurmagomedov beats Hughes in thriller to retain Bellator lightweight crown

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Usman Nurmagomedov versus Paul Hughes delivered on all the hype and anticipation surrounding the World Title Fight since it was announced.

The main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series saw a 25-minute battle between the prides of Dagestan and Ireland, with Nurmagomedov remaining unbeaten after receiving the nod from two of the three judges sitting outside the SmartCage (47-47, 48-46, 48-46). After the majority decision win, Nurmagomedov had nothing but respect for his opponent.

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

After his incredible performance, Hughes made it clear he would love a rematch in Belfast, “It played out how I expected, I’m so gutted and disappointed I lost. I thought I won the fight, I probably left some in the tank, I need to leave everything behind next time.

“I really thought I was going to win,” Hughes said.

“The PFL believed in me and I believe in the PFL. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast, I think I’ve earned this.”

Nurmagomedov had his cousin and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner but revealed he trained alone for the fight back in Dagestan, without his team - Khabib, Islam Makhachev and his brother Umar - as they were away in the US for their engagements with the UFC.

As for what’s next, Nurmagomedov wasn’t specific. The suggestion of an immediate rematch, however, did not interest him.

PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series is the inaugural “Road to Dubai” event following the signing of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Sports Council (DSC), and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

The first-of-its-kind partnership will see MMA world champions and the sport’s biggest stars from the PFL compete in title fights as Dubai becomes a marquee destination for the best of MMA.

All other Champions Series events will now be co-branded as “Road to Dubai”, as each show culminates to the finale set in the new fight capital. As part of the PFL’s commitment to developing the sport of MMA in Dubai, rising Emirati star fighters will now have a pathway to become future PFL Champions.

In the Heavyweight co-main event of the evening, former Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov (19-2) made quick work of Tim Johnson (18-11), needing only 3:08 to submit the Minnesota Nation Guardsman. Originally slated to face Corey Anderson in a rematch, Johnson took the bout on short notice and brought the fight to Nemkov, but it was a rear-naked choke that marked the end of the bout. With the victory, Nemkov hasn’t tasted defeat in his last 14 outings.

Dagestan’s Akhmed Magomedov (11-1) submitted Ireland’s Nathan Kelly (11-3) via rear-naked choke at 4:22 of the second round in a Featherweight main card bout on Saturday. Magomedov shook off any rust quickly, as he had not fought in almost two years prior to this fight. With the win, Dagestan moved to 2-0 against Ireland with the main event remaining.

England’s Ibragim Ibragimov improved to 9-0 after a unanimous decision victory (30-27 x3) against Kenny Mokhonoana (5-2). His third win now under the PFL banner, the Manchester Top Team product continues to show that he is not only one of the best rising prospects on the European MMA scene, but globally as well.

The opening main card bout of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series featured Russia’s Renat Khavalov (9-0) against Brazil’s Cleiver Fernandes (9-2) at Bantamweight. With both Makhachev and Khabib in his corner, Khavalov cruised to a unanimous (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) decision in his PFL debut, remaining undefeated to start his career.