Nurmagomedov Edges Hughes in Controversial PFL Dubai Rematch
Dubai, UAE — In one of the most anticipated rematches of the year, Usman Nurmagomedov defended his lightweight crown against Paul Hughes in a bout that delivered drama from the opening bell to the final score. Nurmagomedov, who entered with a pristine record of 19-0 (with one no contest), narrowly escaped with a unanimous decision that many felt should have been closer given the full course of the fight. The official scorecards read 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47, reflecting a fight that featured sustained action, moments of control, and a handful of contested exchanges that fueled post-fight debate.
Though the rematch largely followed the rhythm of the first encounter, it was underscored by a series of warnings and fouls that drew boos from portions of the crowd and questions about officiating. In cageside chatter and on social media, fans and pundits weighed whether penalties and point deductions would have shifted the balance in a bout that was, at its core, a test of Nurmagomedov’s resilience and Hughes’ persistence.
Fight Card: Other Highlights from PFL Dubai
Beyond the headliner, the PFL Dubai card offered an array of telling results that shaped the early arc of 2025. In the co-main, Corey Anderson retained the light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision over Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, the contest concluding 49-45, 48-47, 49-45 in favor of the champion. The bantamweight bout delivered one of the night’s surprise finishes as Sergio Pettis knocked out Magomed Magomedov with a spinning back elbow followed by punches at 4:31 of round two, instantly shifting momentum on the ladder for the division.
Other notable results included Archie Colgan’s decisive 30-27, 30-27, 29-28 win over Jay-Jay Wilson in the lightweight division. In a catchweight clash at 140 pounds, Jack Cartwright earned a 29-28 decision against Caolan Loughran. The heavyweight card saw Pouya Rahmani stop Slim Trabelsi with punches at 2:47 of the first round, while Florim Zendeli outpointed Omar El Dafrawy 29-28 on all three cards in a welterweight tilt. The lightweight slate also featured Mirafzal Akhtamov’s split decision over Luann Sardinha and Takeshi Izumi’s unanimous win versus Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci. The night closed with Makkasharip Zaynukov dominating John Mitchell 30-26, 29-28, 29-28, and Jarrah Al-Selawe’s split decision victory over Gregory Babene 29-28, 28-29, 30-27.
What This Means for Nurmagomedov’s Era in MMA
Nurmagomedov’s victory further cements his status among the sport’s top lightweights, solidifying his position as a future staple of the division. The fight underscored his ability to blend grappling, pace, and striking discipline while pushing through rounds that tested his cardio and strategy. For Hughes, the loss halts a rising arc that had people speculating about a split in the division’s elite, but the result should not diminish the volatility and potential of his offense, which forced Nurmagomedov to remain composed and precise for five full rounds.
With Nurmagomedov’s undefeated run continuing, the question now shifts to who might earn the next title shot or who could challenge his control of the 155-pound class. The PFL Dubai platform has provided a high-profile stage to showcase not only the champion’s talent but also the depth in the division, including contenders who delivered impact wins on the same night. Analysts will likely cite this rematch as a tentpole moment in a year that already promised fireworks for the sport’s evolving calendar.
The Road Ahead: Watch Party, Start Times, and Scheduling
LIVE coverage of PFL Dubai returned ESPN Unlimited, with the Nurmagomedov-Hughes rematch serving as the marquee attraction. The bout began at 11:30 a.m. ET, offering a global audience a prime window to follow the action as it unfolded from the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. For fans awaiting the next rounds of matchups, the card’s depth provided a strong reminder that the lightweight division’s iron is being forged in real time on the grand stage of PFL Dubai.
Bottom Line
Nurmagomedov’s win adds another chapter to a rising legend’s path through the lightweight ranks, while the undercard results highlight the PFL’s ongoing effort to build depth and excitement across multiple divisions. As the sport looks ahead to 2025, this Dubai card stands as a reminder that championships are often decided not just by the final bell but by the moments of controversy, resilience, and determination that accompany them.
