Usman Nurmagomedov to Defend Title Against Paul Hughes

Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Bellator lightweight champion, will defend his title against Paul Hughes at a PFL event on January 25 in Dubai. This matchup, dubbed Dagestan vs. Ireland 2, marks the PFL's debut in the UAE and is part of a new multi-year partnership with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism and Sports Council. Hughes is coming off a significant victory over A.J. McKee, while Nurmagomedov aims to extend his unbeaten streak to 19 fights after previously defending his title against Alexander Shabliy. The event will be aired live on ESPN+, showcasing the growing global reach of mixed martial arts. Hughes expressed excitement about the opportunity, highlighting the historical significance of this fight for both PFL and Dubai. The fight is seen as a landmark moment in the expansion of MMA in the region.