PFL Champions Series Features Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes in Dubai

The PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event, held on January 25, 2025, featured a lightweight title fight where Usman Nurmagomedov defended his Bellator championship against Paul Hughes. This matchup highlights the ongoing rivalry between Dagestan and Ireland, reminiscent of Khabib Nurmagomedov's famous bouts. Nurmagomedov, with an impressive 18-0 record, is coming off a controversial no contest due to a failed drug test, while Hughes boasts a 13-1 record and recent victories in Bellator. The co-main event showcased Vadim Nemkov facing Tim Johnson in a heavyweight clash. The event was streamed live on MAX in the U.S. and DAZN in Europe, attracting significant attention from MMA fans globally. Betting odds favored Nurmagomedov to win by decision, but Hughes was seen as a potential upset threat due to his knockout power.