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Breaking: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Booked for January 25 in Dubai

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Dubai PFL Bellator Usman Nurmagomedov will look to defend his world title against the top-ranked contender Paul Hughes in the PFL hosted…

Usman Nurmagomedov will look to defend his world title against the top-ranked contender Paul Hughes in the PFL hosted in Dubai on January 25.

Road to Dubai

Dubai is teaming up with the Professional Fighters League to make the city a major destination for mixed martial arts. This partnership will bring annual events called the “Road to Dubai” to the city, along with training programs to help develop Emirati fighters into future champions. The goal is to establish Dubai as a global hub for MMA while boosting sports tourism and showcasing the city’s world-class hospitality.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

The first event, the Champions Series World Title, will take place on January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena. Headlining the event is a matchup between undefeated MMA champion Usman Nurmagomedov from Dagestan and Irish rising star Paul Hughes. This will be Dubai’s first-ever major MMA title event and a historic moment for the sport in the region.

Usman Nurmagomedov is the cousin and student of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hughes was a champion in Cage Warriors before signing with the PFL, and recently earned an impressive win against former champion AJ McKee. Usman Nurmagomedov’s world title will be on the line in this matchup.

“I am always excited to challenge myself against the best athletes and I view Paul Hughes as a worthy opponent,” Usman Nurmagomedov continued, “I’m proud to be the first MMA main event in Dubai history.”

“The championship has always been in my plans, and now it’s coming to fruition in January when I face Usman,” Paul Hughes explained. “I respect what he brings to the table and I am not discrediting him, but I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion.”

“The Professional Fighters League is proud to be the first organization to launch major global MMA events in Dubai,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray. “We are excited to partner with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Sports Council to stage annual mega events in the city of gold and develop the next generation of UAE champion fighters.”

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Dubai PFL Bellator

VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight

At the PFL’s Battle of the Giants event last month, one of the biggest talking points was the emphatic victory produced by Paul Hughes. The Irish lightweight was one of the most exciting prospects around when the PFL signed him earlier this year but no one expected that within the same year, he’d be in […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight at MMA News.

After a debut win on the Bellator Champions Series in June, Hughes was matched up with one of the top names on the roster in former champion AJ McKee. Many assumed that this would be too much of a step for “Big News” at this stage in his career but he proved a lot of people wrong by beating McKee in Riyadh, even if the fight was controversially scored as a split decision.

He immediately called to face Bellator’s lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov who is another one of the promotion’s most highly regarded talents. The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has an unbeaten record of 18-0 with one no contest and recently defended his title in San Diego with a decision win over Alexander Shabliy.

Whilst drawing comparisons between this fight and the biggest clash in the history of the sport between “The Eagle” and Conor McGregor, Hughes said that it was time for another instalment of Russia vs Ireland and it seems that he may have already been granted his wish.

A video on social media shows the two men facing off with one another whilst cameramen in PFL clothing film the stare down for what is likely going to be used as promotional material in the build up. No official timeframe for the fight has been announced but it’s undoubtedly one of the biggest contests that the promotion could put on right now.

Continue Reading VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight at MMA News.

Conor McGregor: “I’ll Support You 100%” in Paul Hughes Bout Against Usman Nurmagomedov, takes shots at Khabib

Ireland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor…

Ireland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor McGregor in his corner for this matchup. ‘The Notorious’ said he is absolutely into supporting Hughes for his title match against the Dagestani athlete.

Paul Hughes

The Cage Warriors champion signed with the PFL earlier this year. In his promotional debut, he out-pointed the prodigy AJ McKee over a three-round decision. With this win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he sets himself up as the top contender to face Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight Title.

Usman is a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov and has long been a training partner. Khabib would be in Usman’s corner during the Hughes title match. Thus, Hughes has asked his Irish countryman and rival of Khabib, Conor McGregor to be in his corner. In his post-fight interview, the Irish fighter said:

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it … How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor changed the face of MMA when he made history as a two-division UFC Champion. But he might be best known for his blockbuster match against his rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hearing the calls from Paul Hughes, McGregor said that he would be in attendance to support Hughes against Nurmagomedov. In a deleted Tweet, ‘The Notorious’ said:

“Paul my man I will go to the arena and support 100% for sure and if it kicks off I’ll be in there before you could even say ‘The [Nurmagomedovs] are juice head inbred rats married to their cousins’. Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way! You’ve got this! We are with you brother, bring home the Gold!”

Conor McGregor Khabib Usman Paul Hughes — Screenshot by Curtis Calhoun

Conor McGregor: “I’ll Support You 100%” in Paul Hughes Bout Against Usman Nurmagomedov, takes shots at Khabib

Ireland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor…

Paul Hughes

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it … How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Conor McGregor

“Paul my man I will go to the arena and support 100% for sure and if it kicks off I’ll be in there before you could even say ‘The [Nurmagomedovs] are juice head inbred rats married to their cousins’. Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way! You’ve got this! We are with you brother, bring home the Gold!”

Paul Hughes wants Conor McGregor in his corner when he faces Usman Nurmagomedov “We’ll need more security” student of Khabib

Ireland’s Paul Hughes got a huge win in the PFL debut as he took on the prodigy AJ McKee….

Ireland’s Paul Hughes got a huge win in the PFL debut as he took on the prodigy AJ McKee. Hughes was able to out-point his opponent with sharp counters and flying knees. After the victory, he wants the Bellator champion, and student of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman Nurmagomedov, but with Conor McGregor in his corner.

Paul Hughes wants Usman Nurmagomedov

The former Cage Warriors champion signed with the PFL looking to become a world champion in the organization. In his debut, he was able to defeat the top-ranked, and ultra-talented, AJ McKee via split decision. The Irish-born Paul Hughes was able to out-point his opponent in an impressive victory and showed off his striking acumen.

After the fight, he called out the Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov who is a long-time student, and cousin, of MMA legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hughes is very likely to face Usman next with the title on the line and in that bout, Khabib will be in his corner. For that, Hughes has requested that Conor McGregor be in his corner for the match.

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor

Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor had one of the most bitter rivalries in MMA history. Their blockbuster match for the UFC world title was a major event and one of the biggest fights in the history of the sport. Khabib won but then a brawl broke out after the match.

Paul Hughes wins in the PFL

Speaking to the media after his PFL win, Paul Hughes explained:

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it.“

On potentially having Conor McGregor in his corner, he added:

“How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Discussing his victory over AJ McKee, Hughes said:

“When you’re in there, it’s sometimes hard to tell, but judging from the energy of the crowd and AJ’s face, it’s pretty clear I won. I smashed him, walked him down, and put punches on him. I hurt him so many times. I was close to knocking him out a few times, but I didn’t get him out of there. I’ll 100% get him next time.”

PFL Paul Hughes vs AJ McKee — Paul Hughes

“Are you still on steroids?” UFC Champ Ilia Topuria Slams Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Cousin

Ilia Topuria’s comments about Islam Makhachev appear to have struck a chord with Team Khabib. During a recent Instagram…

Ilia Topuria’s comments about Islam Makhachev appear to have struck a chord with Team Khabib.

During a recent Instagram Live, the reigning UFC featherweight champion welcomed a clash with the promotion’s lightweight titleholder, Islam Makhachev. While Topuria was fairly respectful of Makhachev’s skills, that didn’t stop him from taking a dig at the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ in regards to a potential scrap in the streets.

“We can always resolve it in the Octagon, not in the streets because I’ll have to pay for his medical bills,” Topuria said.

That prompted a response from current Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov who questioned Topuria’s toughness with a snappy retort.

“When did you ever fight on the streets, European boy?” Nurmagomedov replied.

Ilia Topuria brings up Nurmagomedov’s recent run-in with the CSAC

Topuria fired right back, poking fun at the Dagestani over a failed drug test following his successful title defense against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 last year.

“It’s been a while, to be honest” Topuria wrote on X. “How’s it going with the drugs? Are you still on steroids?”

Nurmagomedov originally defeated Primus by unanimous decision in the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix semifinal. However, the California State Athletic Commission overturned the result after Nurmagomedov tested positive for a prescription drug that contained a banned substance.

Nurmagomedov was banned for six months by the CSAC, but due to the accidental nature of the ingestion, he was allowed to keep his lightweight title. He returned to the Bellator cage in September, scoring a decisive win over Alexandr Shabliy.