Usman Nurmagomedov outlasts Paul Hughes in five-round war at PFL Dubai. The Professional Fighters League returns to Dubai on Friday, October 3, 2025, with a blockbuster rematch headlining PFL Champions Series 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena. Undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov once again shared the cage with surging Irish contender Paul Hughes, just nine months after their first meeting.
Their initial clash took place on January 25, 2025, at PFL Champions Series 1, also in Dubai, where Nurmagomedov edged out Hughes via majority decision to retain his belt. It was the toughest test of Nurmagomedov’s career, with one judge even scoring the bout a draw, leaving fans eager to see them run it back.
Nurmagomedov, has continued to build his reputation as one of the most dominant lightweights. With an unblemished 19-0 record, his blend of precise striking and suffocating grappling has kept him a step ahead of every opponent so far.
Hughes, meanwhile, bounced back quickly from the narrow defeat. He thrilled fans in May 2025 with a blistering 42-second knockout of Bruno Miranda in Belfast, reminding the division that he’s not only durable but also one of the most dangerous finishers on the roster.
The two went nose-to-nose during the intros but showed respect with a glove touch. The fight opened with Nurmagomedov establishing his distance through kicks and jabs. Hughes pressed forward, looking to close the gap with counters. Midway through the round, a low blow from Nurmagomedov briefly halted the action, Hughes took about 45 seconds and was ready to go back to action, he recovered, and the round continued at a measured pace.
The round two started with both fighters trading jabs and leg kicks, as Hughes pressed forward from the center. Nurmagomedov found success with clean jabs, while Hughes landed to the body and mixed in a blocked head kick. Midway through, Nurmagomedov shot in and briefly secured a takedown, landing short punches before Hughes scrambled back to his feet. The pace picked up late, with Hughes landing a sharp jab, knee from the clinch, and a switch kick to the body, while Nurmagomedov connected with a crisp one-two during the exchanges.
Nurmagomedov opened with a leg kick and sharp jab as both men circled and exchanged words. He landed a check left hook and right hand, but Hughes pressed forward with combinations and feints to cut off the cage. Midway through, Nurmagomedov shot for the hips, but Hughes defended and fired back with a right hand. Hughes stayed aggressive with double jabs and body shots, even buckling the champion briefly with a low kick. Nurmagomedov relied on his jab and kicks before closing with a late takedown, ending the round on Hughes’ back as the horn sounded.
Round 4 started and Nurmagomedov attacked with inside leg kicks and jabs before an accidental groin strike briefly halted the action. On the restart, Hughes fired a stomp to the lead leg, but Nurmagomedov pressured him to a knee against the fence. Hughes scrambled free and scored in close, trading jabs and low kicks. Nurmagomedov landed a front kick to the body, then dragged Hughes down again, briefly threatening the back. He followed with a heavy punching flurry that damaged Hughes’ left eye. In the final minute, Hughes dug to the body, but Nurmagomedov answered with sharp left hands and body kicks.
The final round had Nurmagomedov firing early jabs and leg kicks, but Hughes answered with stiff punches, even staggering the champion with a jab before stuffing back-to-back takedown attempts. Both men traded clean shots, Hughes working behind his jab and body strikes, while Nurmagomedov mixed in kicks and sharp counters. Midway through, Hughes kept pressing forward, landing a knee and a glancing high kick, only for an accidental clash of heads to open a cut above Nurmagomedov’s right eye. After a quick pause, they resumed, touching gloves and going back to work. The champion landed a flying knee and briefly secured a takedown in the final minute, but Hughes scrambled out, forcing wild exchanges in the closing seconds of a razor-close round. After five rounds, the judges returned scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47, all in favor of Nurmagomedov, who improved to 20-0 as a professional
Official PFL Dubai Result
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via unanimous decision
Corey Anderson def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (49-45 x2, 48-47)
Sergio Pettis def. Magomed Magomedov via second-round KO (4:31)
Archie Colgan def. Jay Jay Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
Jack Cartwright def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Pouya Rahmani def. Slim Trabelsi via TKO – Round 1, 2:47
Florim Zendeli def. Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Takeshi Izumi def. Vinicius Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)
Makkasharip Zaynukov def. John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28 x2)
Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Gregory Babene via split decision
