Tag: Paul Hughes

The Notorious Reacts: Conor McGregor’s Fierce Take on the Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes Decision

The Notorious Reacts: Conor McGregor’s Fierce Take on the Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes DecisionIf Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov was Ireland vs. Dagestan part one, Saturday’s entertaining five-round war between Usman Nurmagomedov…

The Notorious Reacts: Conor McGregor’s Fierce Take on the Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes Decision

If Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov was Ireland vs. Dagestan part one, Saturday’s entertaining five-round war between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes was the sequel.

PFL’s Road to Dubai event was headlined by an intense counter between Nurmagomedov, the reigning Bellator lightweight champion, and Hughes, a 13-win veteran fighting out of Belfast. Nurmagomedov went into the bout as a sizeable favorite to retain his title, but much to the delight of fight fans, Hughes gave the Russian everything he had for five rounds.

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In the eyes of many, it was enough to dethrone Nurmagomedov and hand him his first career loss. Unfortunately, the judges didn’t agree. One official ruled the 25-minute affair a draw while the other two saw it in favor of Nurmagomedov, leaving the lightweight title around his waist and handing Hughes his second career loss.

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Needless to say, McGregor, who has been an outspoken supporter of Hughes for years, was not happy with the decision and took the opportunity to once again shred the Nurmagomedov family on social media.

“Tremendous fight and performance! Easy win for Hughes, he DOMINATED THAT FIGHT,” McGregor wrote on X. “And Umar exactly what it says on the tin, a Nurmagamedov. Runner, sprinter, bolter, scarper, scurrying “fighter”. The Nurmagomedovs are not fighters. They are the most non fighting fighters out of Dagestan and all time. Run away around the cage and shoot ass bitches.Dagestan is better than the Nurmagomedovs and that is a FACT!

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Paul Hughes Echoes Conor McGregor’s statement

Hughes agreed with the former two-division UFC champion, calling the judge’s scorecards “ridiculous” after having a little time to process things.

“We all thought I won that one,” Hughes said post-fight on Instagram. “I think the judges’ scorecards were pretty ridiculous. But I’ll watch it back with a clear mind. I’m just judging from the energy of the arena and everyone surrounding the cage that thought it was mine. I’m not going to make excuses, though. I should’ve pushed harder. And I will the next time. I know we’ll fight again.”

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‘Did What McGregor Couldn’t’ – Jake Paul, Belal Muhammad, Dustin Poirier & Others React As Paul Hughes Pushes Usman Nurmagomedov To The Limit

In what is certainly going to be an early nominee for the 2025 Fight of the Year in MMA, Usman Nurmagomedov will likely end up as the final defending Bellator champion in the brand’s history. Nurmagomedov narrowly retained the Bellator lightweight title in a five-round war with Paul Hughes in the main event of the […]

In what is certainly going to be an early nominee for the 2025 Fight of the Year in MMA, Usman Nurmagomedov will likely end up as the final defending Bellator champion in the brand’s history.

Nurmagomedov narrowly retained the Bellator lightweight title in a five-round war with Paul Hughes in the main event of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event at the Coca-Cola Arena on Jan. 25.

The Dagestani started aggressively, utilizing a variety of kicks to test his range before putting his striking on full display. Hughes found his rhythm and picked up his pace in the second, mixing initial strikes and counters. The champ kept up his kicks and clinch attempts, but he struggled to secure a takedown early. Both fighters traded combinations, with Nurmagomedov focused on knees and elbows as the challenger ripped to the body. The second round proved to arguably be the most difficult to score.

The fight was marred a bit by groin strikes during the third round, which resulted in the defending champion being docked a point. The Russian, however, rebounded with a takedown and controlling the action against the fence. Hughes kept active before both men’s output increased in a big way during the fourth round, including a ferocious exchanging in the final minute.

Nurmagomedov looked to use his grappling more in the final round, while simultaneously landing hard with knees on Hughes’ body. But the Irishman continued to push forward, landing combinations when possible before swinging wildly and taking over in the fight’s final, dramatic 30 seconds.

One judge scored the fight a 47-47 draw, while the other two gave 48-46 scorecards, giving Nurmagomedov the win.

Usman Nurmagomedov Defeats Paul Hughes In Early Fight Of The Year War

Nurmagomedov became champion initially with a win over Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288. His title defenses prior to tonight included a win over Benson Henderson, a no contest against Brent Primus, and a victory over Alexander Shabliy.

The result in Dubai snaps a seven-fight win streak for Hughes. He earned a title shot off wins over Bobby King last summer and AJ McKee at the PFL: Battle of the Giants card in October.

Usman Nurmagomedov Vows To ‘Destroy’ Paul Hughes: ‘PFL Gave Him This Title Shot Only Because He’s From Ireland’

Usman Nurmagomedov remains dismissive of Paul Hughes’ prospects of dethroning him. Nurmagomedov is set to put his Bellator lightweight title on the line against Hughes in the main event of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE. The matchup […]

Usman Nurmagomedov remains dismissive of Paul Hughes’ prospects of dethroning him.

Nurmagomedov is set to put his Bellator lightweight title on the line against Hughes in the main event of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The highly anticipated showdown is scheduled for this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE.

The matchup has been dubbed “Dagestan vs. Ireland 2,” rekindling the intense rivalry between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor that unfolded during their unforgettable UFC 229 showdown in October 2018. Usman and Hughes have channeled a comparable intensity, with their growing animosity building throughout the lead-up to their bout.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov expressed his belief that “Big News” hasn’t earned his title shot, asserting that he was handed the chance more because his narrative aligned with PFL’s promotional strategy than for any significant accomplishment.

“Brother, nobody knows who is Paul Hughes,” Nurmagomedov said.”He can talk something only because he wants to promote himself. PFL gave him this title shot only because he’s from Ireland, and they want to promote Ireland vs. Dagestan – something like that. I got my title shot when I was on a six-fight win streak, but I don’t care.”

When this fight was announced, Usman’s cousin, UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, boldly stated in a promotional interview that the skill level of Dagestani fighters far surpasses that of their Irish counterparts, a sentiment Usman shares regarding Hughes.

The undefeated Dagestani champion further emphasized that he’s operating on an entirely different level than his opponent, insisting it will be a straightforward task, with nothing about the Irishman’s game that could possibly catch him off guard.

“I think after first round, I will feel who is this guy. Technically, there’s nothing he can surprise me [with] – just little boxing, little kicks, not bad takedown defense, and that’s it… Inshallah, we’re going to finish this guy. I will destroy him all five rounds, or I will finish him in the first three rounds.”

Nurmagomedov enters this bout on the back of a dominant unanimous decision victory over Alexander Shabliy at the Bellator Champions Series in San Diego last September. He currently boasts a perfect professional record of 18-0, with eight knockouts and six submissions.

Meanwhile, “Big News” arrives at this title fight on a seven-fight win streak, having earned his opportunity with a hard-fought split decision victory over former champion AJ McKee at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October. Hughes holds a professional record of 13-1, with six knockouts and three submissions.

PFL Road To Dubai Champions Series Results & Highlights: Usman Nurmagomedov Outlasts Paul Hughes

The PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event took place on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action. After announcing a slew of changes to its organization for 2025, including the elimination of the Bellator brand, the Professional Fighters League kicked things off for this year with a Bellator champion defending […]

The PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event took place on Saturday, and MMA News has you covered with all the action.

After announcing a slew of changes to its organization for 2025, including the elimination of the Bellator brand, the Professional Fighters League kicked things off for this year with a Bellator champion defending their gold.

In the main event of today’s event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, lightweight kingpin Usman Nurmagomedov faced the challenge of highly regarded Irishman Paul Hughes — a headliner branded ‘Dagestani vs. Ireland 2’ promotionally in reference to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor’s heated rivalry from a number of years ago.

The gold stayed put by narrow margins, with Nurmagomedov getting the nod on two of the three scorecards for the majority decision win following five rounds of competitive and enthralling action.

Two other clashes between Dagestani and Irish fighters went down on the main card, with Nathan Kelly battling Akhmed Magomedov and Kenny Mokhonoana meeting Ibragim Ibragimov.

And just before the main attraction, former Bellator light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov faced his next heavyweight challenge in the co-main event, sharing the SmartCage with ex-UFC contender and 2024 PFL heavyweight season semifinalist Tim Johnson. In what marked the final fight of his contract, the Russian netted a quick first-round submission.

With the event concluded, see below for the full results and all the best highlights!

PFL Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes Results & Highlights

Main Card:

  • Bellator Lightweight Championship Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)
  • Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke): R1, 3:08
  • Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke): R2, 4:22
  • Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Catchweight (199lbs): Ahmed Samy def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (punches & elbows): R1, 5:00
  • Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm-triangle choke): R2, 2:50
  • Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
  • Lightweight: John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Middleweight: Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO (arm injury): R1, 3:18
  • Amateur Lightweight: Talal Alqallaf def. Saeed Alhosani via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 30-27)

Talal Alqallaf Def. Saeed Alhosani

Haider Khan Def. Mostafa Nada

John Mitchell Def. Souhil Tairi

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini Def. Ruel Panales

Mirafzal Akhtamov Def. Mike Thompson

Ahmed Samy Def. Tarek Suleiman

Renat Khavalov Def. Cleiver Fernandes

Ibragim Ibragimov Def. Kenny Mokhonoana

Akhmed Magomedov Def. Nathan Kelly

Vadim Nemkov Def. Tim Johnson

Usman Nurmagomedov Def. Paul Hughes

‘Sh*t Getting Toxic’ – Fans React As Chaos Erupts Between Dagestani & Irish Supporters Ahead Of Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

It seems the fans are wearing their national pride louder than the fighters themselves as the buzz builds for the highly anticipated Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes showdown. Nurmagomedov is primed to defend his lightweight crown against Hughes in the headline clash of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The event is slated for […]

It seems the fans are wearing their national pride louder than the fighters themselves as the buzz builds for the highly anticipated Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes showdown.

Nurmagomedov is primed to defend his lightweight crown against Hughes in the headline clash of the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The event is slated for this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE.

The event, branded as “Dagestan vs Ireland 2,” echoes the acclaimed UFC 229 clash between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Much like that legendary bout, the UFC Hall of Famer’s cousin Usman and Ireland’s Hughes seem to embody a feud cut from the same electrifying cloth.

The buildup to this bout has been thick with tension, as both fighters have exchanged sharp words. “Big News” has alleged that the undefeated Dagestani has belittled his skills and insulted him, which prompted a fiery verbal confrontation between the two earlier this week.

The fighters brought the same electric intensity to their final staredown at the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday, where Nurmagomedov and Hughes locked eyes in a heated faceoff.

However, the ceremonial weigh-ins for the upcoming bout felt less like a pre-fight ritual and more like a battlefield.

According to Parry Punch’s report on X, Dagestani and Irish fans reignited their bitter feud outside the Coca-Cola Arena, leading to an all-out brawl between the two factions. The exact cause of the chaos remains unclear at the moment.

Fans were quick to react to the melee between Dagestani and Irish supporters, with many drawing parallels to the heated Khabib-McGregor rivalry, suggesting that Usman and Hughes are reigniting a national pride-fueled feud that shows no sign of fading.

Nurmagomedov will be making his third title defense. His most recent outing came last September at the Bellator Champions Series in San Diego, where he delivered a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over Alexander Shabliy to successfully retain his belt.

Meanwhile, Hughes will be vying for the title in just his third appearance with the promotion. “Big News” is coming off a hard-fought split decision victory over AJ McKee in October at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants.

Usman Nurmagomedov Compares Rivalry with Paul Hughes to Iconic Khabib vs. Conor Feud

Usman Nurmagomedov Compares His Rivalry with Paul Hughes to Iconic Khabib vs. Conor FeudMove over Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, there’s a new Russia vs. Ireland rivalry in town. On Saturday, January…

Usman Nurmagomedov Compares His Rivalry with Paul Hughes to Iconic Khabib vs. Conor Feud

Move over Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor, there’s a new Russia vs. Ireland rivalry in town.

On Saturday, January 24, reigning Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will put his gold on the line when the PFL heads to Dubai for a Champions Series event inside the Coca-Cola Arena. In the main event of the evening, the undefeated Dagestani will defend his title against surging Irish star Paul Hughes in a bout that has become just as much personal as it is business.

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In the weeks leading up to their scrap, tensions have flared, much of it having to do with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments about the lack of legitimate fighters from Ireland, especially when compared to Dagestan’s influx of emerging stars.

“Ireland don’t have fighters, brother,” Khabib told the PFL. “Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor], and who else? There is no fighters.”

Adding his take on the debate during an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Usman Nurmagomedov echoed Khabib’s comments adding that ‘The Eagle’ showed the world why Dagestan stands above Ireland in mixed martial arts, a reference to the former UFC lightweight champion’s submission victory over Irish megastar Conor McGregor in 2018.

“This is Dagestan vs. Ireland in sports, not from people,” Usman Nurmagomedov said. “We cannot touch national… Sounds good, why not?… I think our level, big different than Ireland. Khabib showed this to people, and Inshaallah, I will show it, too.”

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Nurmagomedov insists paul Hughes has no way to win

As for Paul Hughes’ chances of dethroning the Dagestani in Dubai on Saturday, Nurmagomedov can’t say any path to victory for his Irish opposition.

“He said when he punches me, something will change – but who can do that? Someone has punched me? Never. No. Nobody can touch me,” Nurmagomedov added. “Sometimes, I’m really thinking like, ‘How can he beat me? How?’ Even striking, I’m much better than him in striking. I don’t know what his plan is for this fight, but I will follow my plans and do my job. I don’t care what he will do.”

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The Road to Dubai Champions Series card is scheduled to air at 11 am ET, 4 pm GMT. Fans in the United States can catch all the action live on MAX while fans around the world can tune in on DAZN.