Usman Nurmagomedov

2025 - 1 - 26

Nurmagomedov vs Hughes: A Title Fight for the Ages and a Brawl for All!

Bellator lightweight title - Dagestan - Dubai - Ireland - Khabib Nurmagomedov - MMA - Paul Hughes - PFL Champions Series - Usman Nurmagomedov

Witness the epic clash as Usman Nurmagomedov retains his lightweight title against Paul Hughes amid chaos in Dubai! Did Hughes shock the world?

In an electrifying night at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator lightweight title against Paul Hughes in a thrilling contest. Their rivalry, which added a distinctive flair to the Big Smoke, unfolded in front of a packed audience, filled with adrenaline-seeking fans. From punch-for-punch exchanges to grappling maneuvers, Nurmagomedov and Hughes showcased a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, after a tense back-and-forth, Nurmagomedov secured the win via a majority decision, proving once again why he's a force to be reckoned with in the MMA world.

The buildup to the fight was not without its drama—chaos erupted during the PFL Champions Series 1 ceremonial weigh-ins where a shocking mass brawl broke out between fans. This spectacle seemed to set the stage for the invigorating competition that was to follow. The fight itself was branded as ‘Dagestan vs. Ireland 2’, with a clash of distinctive styles that kept commentators buzzing. Nurmagomedov, hailing from a rigorous grappling background under the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, faced an equally determined opponent in Hughes, who was dubbed as the underdog ready to pull off a giant-slaying upset.

As the rounds progressed, Hughes pushed the pace and challenged the champion more than anyone had anticipated. Local and global fans alike held their breaths, momentarily believing Hughes could pull off a monumental victory to become the new lightweight champion. Post-fight discussions erupted following the announcement of Nurmagomedov's victory, with Hughes voiced his frustration over what he labeled as “ridiculous” judging. Many commentators and fellow fighters acknowledged Hughes's talent and fighting spirit, hinting that a future rematch might be on the horizon.

Beyond the excitement of the fight itself, it’s worth noting that Usman Nurmagomedov's legacy is bolstered by a family history rich in martial arts culture, which has profoundly shaped his fighting style. Meanwhile, in a hilarious twist, these two fighters had been exchanging good-natured jabs about their dietary preferences—Hughes boasting about classic Irish stews while Nurmagomedov humorously insisted on a diet exclusively composed of the freshest lamb-based dishes! Who knew behind the punches and kicks lay such culinary differences?

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes - Bellator lightweight title fight (BBC News)

Live text commentary as Paul Hughes takes on Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "ESPN"

Usman Nurmagomedov squeaks by Paul Hughes to retain title - ESPN (ESPN)

Usman Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator lightweight title on Saturday with a majority decision over Paul Hughes y in Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "Professional Fighters League"

Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes Arrive In Dubai | Ep. 5 (Professional Fighters League)

The rivalry continues! Dagestan vs. Ireland 2 is set to deliver fireworks as Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes arrive in Dubai. Witness the clash of styles ...

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Image courtesy of "MMA Fighting"

PFL Dubai live blog: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes (MMA Fighting)

Follow the PFL Dubai live blog for Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes, the lightweight championship main event on Saturday in Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "BreakingNews.ie"

Paul Hughes v Usman Nurmagomedov: Can Hughes shock the world? (BreakingNews.ie)

2024 was the year of Paul Hughes, as he layed down a marker at 155 pounds when he moved to the PFL.

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Image courtesy of "talkSPORT.com"

Chaotic mass brawl breaks out between fans at Usman ... (talkSPORT.com)

The PFL Champions Series 1 ceremonial weigh-in descended into chaos on Friday night.Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes are set to square off in the ma.

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Image courtesy of "BBC News"

Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes - Bellator lightweight title fight (BBC News)

Live text commentary as Paul Hughes takes on Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title at the Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "Professional Fighters League"

Usman Nurmagomedov outlasts Paul Hughes in closely-contest ... (Professional Fighters League)

Usman Nurmagomedov's background is a prestigious one, coming out of the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov MMA School, having trained under the likes of ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

'Paul Hughes is legit': Fighters react to Usman Nurmagomedov's title ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

Usman Nurmagomedov's undefeated record was put under threat unlike ever before against Paul Hughes in Saturday's PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, ...

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Image courtesy of "MMA Fighting"

PFL Dubai Post Show: Reaction to Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul ... (MMA Fighting)

MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew and Casey Leydon react to Usman Nurmagomedov's close win over Paul Hughes at PFL Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "MMA Junkie"

Paul Hughes reacts to 'ridiculous' scoring in Usman Nurmagomedov ... (MMA Junkie)

Paul Hughes objects to the judges' scorecards in his title-fight loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

PFL Results: Champions And Fighters React To Epic Main Event (Forbes)

The Professional Fighters League needed a banger at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday and Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes answered the call.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Eurosport UK"

Usman Nurmagomedov admits he underestimated Paul Hughes ... (Yahoo Eurosport UK)

Usman Nurmagomedov admits Paul Hughes' pre-fight accusation was accurate. He underestimated the Irishman ahead of their bout Saturday, but left the matchup ...

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