For as much as there has been to criticize the PFL over the past 12 months as the promotion continues to make claims of where it stands as the co-leader in global MMA, Saturday's main event of the inaugural PFL Champions Series in Dubai is a must-see event. Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) will defend his Bellator MMA lightweight title for the final time now that PFL has announced it will sunset the Bellator brand name after acquiring what was left of the promotion in late 2023. The talented native of Dagestan, Russia, will take on Irish upstart Paul Hughes (13-1) inside Coca-Cola Arena in the promotion's debut in the United Arab Emirates.
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The matchup pairs together two of the most talented fighters on the PFL roster and has produced plenty of fodder and headlines in the build to the fight, largely due to Nurmagomedov's cousin and trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, using the fight to go public on his thoughts regarding a debate between Irish and Dagestan MMA, which traces back to Khabib's UFC rivalry with Conor McGregor.
The 26-year-od Nurmagomedov, who is also the younger brother of UFC bantamweight contender Umar, first captured the Bellator title in 2022 and has very much looked to fit in as far as lineage of great fighters once trained by his late uncle, Abdulmanap, which also includes current UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev.
Usman Nurmagomedov is a perfect 18-0 in his career and claimed the Bellator lightweight title in a lopsided decision win against Patricky "Pitbull" Freire in 2022.
Nurmagomedov has since officially defended the belt twice although he had another win overturned after testing positive for a banned substance found in a prescription drug. Since it was ruled unintentional the Dagestani fighter wasn't stripped of his belt and instead faced Alexander Shabliy last September, defeating him by unanimous decision.
Paul Hughes is 13-1 and is the former Cage Warriors featherweight champ. The 27-year-old made his promotional debut with a TKO victory against Bobby King last June and followed up on that with a split-decision win against former Bellator featherweight champ A.J. McKee in October.
Hughes is a well-rounded fighter with good boxing but he's been in competitive scraps against guys like McKee, Morgan Charrière, James Hendin, and Jordan Vucenic who look like lower tier UFC caliber talent. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov has been dominant and seems a sure-bet to eventually become a UFC star once teammate Islam Makhachev moves up to welterweight.
I don't see a range where Hughes can have consistent success here. If he stays at distance he'll be picked apart by Nurmagomedov who has fluid striking and throws kicks to every level. And if he tries to close the gap, Usman can use his high-end grappling to take the fight to the mat or control in the clinch. The gap in skills and technical ability will be too much for Hughes to overcome.sdghfgjghjhgj
Watch Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes (Including All Events) Live Stream Online From Anywhere. No Cable or VPN Required. Onetime Payment, No hidden charge.
Click To: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes Live Anywhere Low Price
Click To: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Live Anywhere Low Price
The matchup pairs together two of the most talented fighters on the PFL roster and has produced plenty of fodder and headlines in the build to the fight, largely due to Nurmagomedov's cousin and trainer, Khabib Nurmagomedov, using the fight to go public on his thoughts regarding a debate between Irish and Dagestan MMA, which traces back to Khabib's UFC rivalry with Conor McGregor.
The 26-year-od Nurmagomedov, who is also the younger brother of UFC bantamweight contender Umar, first captured the Bellator title in 2022 and has very much looked to fit in as far as lineage of great fighters once trained by his late uncle, Abdulmanap, which also includes current UFC lightweight champion and pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev.
Usman Nurmagomedov is a perfect 18-0 in his career and claimed the Bellator lightweight title in a lopsided decision win against Patricky "Pitbull" Freire in 2022.
Nurmagomedov has since officially defended the belt twice although he had another win overturned after testing positive for a banned substance found in a prescription drug. Since it was ruled unintentional the Dagestani fighter wasn't stripped of his belt and instead faced Alexander Shabliy last September, defeating him by unanimous decision.
Paul Hughes is 13-1 and is the former Cage Warriors featherweight champ. The 27-year-old made his promotional debut with a TKO victory against Bobby King last June and followed up on that with a split-decision win against former Bellator featherweight champ A.J. McKee in October.
Hughes is a well-rounded fighter with good boxing but he's been in competitive scraps against guys like McKee, Morgan Charrière, James Hendin, and Jordan Vucenic who look like lower tier UFC caliber talent. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov has been dominant and seems a sure-bet to eventually become a UFC star once teammate Islam Makhachev moves up to welterweight.
I don't see a range where Hughes can have consistent success here. If he stays at distance he'll be picked apart by Nurmagomedov who has fluid striking and throws kicks to every level. And if he tries to close the gap, Usman can use his high-end grappling to take the fight to the mat or control in the clinch. The gap in skills and technical ability will be too much for Hughes to overcome.sdghfgjghjhgj