Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes are gearing up for one of the most awaited rematches at the PFL Dubai event, taking place at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE. The fight card on Friday promises to deliver intense action, with Nurmagomedov, the undefeated lightweight champion, looking to thwart Hughes’ title aspirations once again.
Nurmagomedov, boasting an impressive record of 19 wins, no losses, and one no contest, has been a standout competitor in the lightweight division. He first joined Bellator in April 2021, arriving with an unblemished record of 12-0. After claiming the Bellator lightweight championship and defending it twice, he made his mark in the PFL, securing a majority decision victory over Hughes in January, a match that was heralded as his toughest challenge yet and a strong contender for Fight of the Year.
Hughes, who holds a record of 13 wins and two losses, faced his only defeat against Jordan Vucenic in 2020, after which he bounced back with an impressive seven-fight winning streak. His rise to earn a title shot included an impressive victory against former Bellator champion AJ McKee during his PFL debut. Since his competitive encounter with Nurmagomedov, Hughes demonstrated his skills again by finishing Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds in May.
The PFL Dubai event will also showcase a compelling co-main event featuring a light heavyweight title rematch between PFL champion Corey Anderson and Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. The two first met in April 2021, with Anderson winning via third-round stoppage. Yagshimuradov has since rebounded strongly, achieving seven consecutive victories.
PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes is set to commence at 11:30 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN Unlimited.
Fans can stay updated with real-time results and highlights of the matches in what promises to be an exciting night for mixed martial arts enthusiasts. The fight card also includes a variety of bouts featuring promising fighters across multiple weight classes, ensuring an action-packed event for all attendees. The anticipation surrounding this rematch reveals the growing excitement and competitive spirit within the PFL, highlighting the stature of both Nurmagomedov and Hughes in the sport.