Follow the PFL Dubai main event live as it happens
This is the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2 live blog, the lightweight championship main event for Friday’s PFL Dubai Card at Coca-Cola Arena.
Nurmagomedov and Hughes battle it out in a rematch from their Fight of the Year contender in January, which Nurmagonedov won by majority decision. Nurmagomedov is unbeaten in 20 bouts as a pro fighter, including an 8-0 run as a member of the Bellator — and now PFL roster. The 27-year-old holds victories over Patricio Pitbull, Benson Henderson, Alexander Shabily, and
Hughes has won eight of his past nine bouts, including a 42 second second knockout in his most recent bout in the PFL in May. Hughes earned his shot at Nurmagomedov with a win over former Bellator champ A.J. McKee at PFL: Battle of the Giants in October 2024.
Check out the live blog for the PFL lightweight championship rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes below.
Closing Odds
According to FanDuel, Usman Nurmagomedov is a sizable favorite to make it 2-0 over Paul Hughes. The unbeaten Nurmagomedov closes as a -300 favorite, with the comeback on Hughes at +245.
Final Prediction
Hughes proved he is one of the top lightweights in the world in their first meeting, taking Nurmagomedov into deep waters. To me, that felt like his best chance to get it done. While both fighters are highly skilled, Nurmagomedov has more tools, but can his gas tank stay in a good place down the stretch? While still competitive, I think Nurmagomedov likely has done enough to fix his mistakes and wins a clearer-cut decision.
Walkouts
Paul Hughes had quite the dramatic entrance, which was super cool, and he’s slowly making the walk to the PFL cage.
Category: General Sports
