Usman Nurmagomedov kept his undefeated record intact, but it was no easy task. Facing Paul Hughes in the main event at PFL Dubai, Nurmagomedov had to endure five intense rounds of striking, grappling, and grit. The fight kept fans on the edge of their seats and left both fighters bloodied and exhausted.
In the lead-up to the fight, Nurmagomedov questioned whether Hughes deserved the title shot. Hughes, however, proved his worth early, defending takedowns with confidence and landing sharp strikes to the body. Nurmagomedov responded with a barrage of kicks aimed at slowing Hughes down.
A Fight Full of Twists and Turns
The action took a controversial turn in the third round when Nurmagomedov was penalized for repeated low blows. The point deduction put him in a challenging position, forcing him to shift gears. He leaned into his wrestling, but Hughes was quick to adapt, countering effectively and staying in the fight.
5-Piece Combo from Usman Nurmagomedov! We go to the 3rd…#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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#AndSTILL Bellator Lightweight Champion USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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Usman Nurmagomedov chats with Dan Hardy following his successful title defense!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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The fourth round brought even more chaos. An accidental clash of heads left Nurmagomedov in visible discomfort while opening a deep cut on Hughes’s forehead. With blood streaming down his face, Hughes pressed forward, showing incredible resolve. Despite the setback, Nurmagomedov managed to regain composure and secured a takedown to steady the round.
The fifth round was a display of pure determination from both fighters. Nurmagomedov landed an early takedown, but Hughes roared back with punches, refusing to let up. The crowd erupted as the two exchanged blows in the final moments of what many are already calling one of the best fights of the year.
When it was all said and done, Nurmagomedov walked away with a majority decision, earning scores of 47-47, 48-46, and 48-46. Though victorious, the fight was far from one-sided, as both fighters left a lasting impression with their performances.
