Usman Nurmagomedov narrowly beats Irishman Paul Hughes on points in their rematch in Dubai.
Usman Nurmagomedov broke the heart of Irishman Paul Hughes with another contentious points win to retain his PFL lightweight world title on Friday in Dubai.
Eight months after Nurmagomedov was cast as a lucky winner at the same venue, the Russian was again a narrow victor in the rematch as Hughes produced a brilliant performance over five rounds.
The scorecards did not reflect a close battle as the judges saw it 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47 for Nurmagomedov.
"You want to say this fight was close too? I feel I won every round, but it was a very tough fight with tough opponent. I did not underestimate him, I think he underestimated me," Nurmagomedov said.
Hughes, 28, fought expertly at close range and was a clear winner of rounds two and three, keeping his cool when Nurmagomedov headbutted him after the bell at the end of the first round.
The Irishman was hit with several low blows in round one and four which appeared to slow his progress but he seemed to rock Nurmagomedov on several occasions.
With Hughes mixing his striking, landing knees and short right-handed punches, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Usman, could be heard screaming at top volume for Usman to respond.
Throughout the fight, Nurmagomedov shot for takedowns whenever he was feeling the pressure and successfully took Hughes to the canvas at crucial moments including the final seconds of the last round.
Hughes was able to slip away from every moment of danger on the ground and, after escaping the final grappling contest, he said to a retreating Nurmagomedov: "Why are you running?"
Nurmagomedov, 27, celebrated at the final bell, convinced of victory, despite his cornerman Khabib screaming at cageside in the final two rounds for him to step up the pace.
Khabib's appeals appeared to fall on deaf ears as Usman elected to showboat in the final round.
Despite the lopsided scorecards, Hughes applauded his rival as the Russian was confirmed the winner.
"They told me I wasn't getting a post-fight interview, but I had to get one to thank my fans for travelling here," Hughes said.
"I will be back, I promise I will be back."
- PFL Dubai: Hughes gracious in defeat despite contentious scorecards
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Hughes now faces a rebuilding job, but firmly established himself as world class by going toe-to-toe with Nurmagomedov in two brilliant fights.
Nurmagomedov has long been regarded as one of MMA's premier talents, is now unbeaten in 21 fights but his two fights with Hughes have proved he is far from untouchable.
Speaking after the bout, Khabib Nurmagomedov hailed the Derry native.
"First of all I want to say thank you Paul, because of this guy we have pushed Usman so hard the last eight moments," he said.
"You can see the improvements he made."
Hughes is likely to move on from the rivalry now and Nurmagomedov could well be set for a move to the UFC in 2026.
The lightweight has just one fight left on his current deal with the PFL and a compelling storyline awaits him in the UFC's 155lb division after team-mate and former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev moved up to welterweight.
Briton Davis next for Nurmagomedov?
Nurmagomedov will be eager to close the chapter of his bruising rivalry with Hughes and seemed to confirm Briton Alfie Davis would be next in line.
Davis, 33, won the PFL's 2025 lightweight world tournament this summer.
The Londoner was a huge underdog going into the tournament, but defeated Gadzhi Rabadanov on points to claim the title and £369,000 in prize money.
With uncertainty around who Nurmagomedov's next contender would be, the Russian appeared to select Davis.
"Who is the handsome guy from England, Alfie Davis?," he said.
"Anytime, anywhere, I am waiting for you."
As for Hughes, he is signed to a long-term deal with the PFL and has a host of options.
He could fight American Archie Coglhan, who would have been hopeful his win over New Zealander Jay Jay Wilson on the undercard made him the number one lightweight contender before Nurmagomedov called out Davis.
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