Usman Nurmagomedov Defends Title Against Paul Hughes in Dubai

The highly anticipated Bellator lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes took place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Nurmagomedov, boasting an undefeated record of 18-0, defended his title against Hughes, who came into the match with a 13-1 record and a seven-fight winning streak. The event marked a significant moment as it was part of the PFL Champions Series, following the PFL's decision to drop the Bellator name due to recent struggles with the brand. Despite two fighters missing weight, the main event proceeded as planned, with both competitors representing the ongoing rivalry between Russia and Ireland in MMA. The card featured key matchups, including a heavyweight bout between Vadim Nemkov and Tim Johnson. As the PFL aims for a fresh start, the fight between Nurmagomedov and Hughes was highlighted as a pivotal clash in the lightweight division.