PFL Dubai results: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2 ends in a controversial decision
The Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai once again played host to a heated battle between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, capping a card that delivered knockouts, decisions, and a few moments that sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. In the main event, Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) narrowly claimed the lightweight title‑rematch against Hughes in what many called the most competitive bout of Nurmagomedov’s career up to this point. The official result read Nurmagomedov defeating Hughes by unanimous decision with scorecards of 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47, a result that triggered a strong reaction from portions of the MMA community who had hoped for a tighter verdict.
Fight night context: Nurmagomedov’s ascent and Hughes’ persistence
Nurmagomedov has long been viewed as a future staple of the 155-pound division, riding an unbeaten streak that now includes a pair of Bellator and PFL championships. His latest performance against Hughes, the Irish contender nicknamed “Big News,” reaffirmed the high level of competition in the PFL. Hughes, who had gone on a seven‑fight win streak and shocked many by submitting former Bellator champion AJ McKee in his PFL debut, looked to reclaim the form that carried him to the 2024 title shot. Although Hughes found moments of success, Nurmagomedov’s relentless pressure and precision striking ultimately swayed the judges in a fight that many felt could have swung either way in a different night or a different set of rounds.
Co-main event and other main-card results
The card’s co-main event spotlighted the light heavyweight division’s title rematch as Corey Anderson defended his belt against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. The bout concluded with Anderson earning a unanimous decision (49-45, 48-47, 49-45) in a fight that showcased Yagshimuradov’s seven‑fight win streak and his continued evolution as a top challenger within the weight class.
In the bantamweight tilt, Sergio Pettis delivered a highlight reel finish, knocking out Magomed Magomedov with a spinning back elbow followed by punches at 4:31 of the second round. It was a moment that underscored Pettis’ adeptness in finishing opportunities against top competition. The rest of the night’s results also reflected a diverse and competitive slate: Archie Colgan earned a unanimous decision over Jay-Jay Wilson, Jack Cartwright survived a tough 29-28 decision in a 140-pound catchweight bout against Caolan Loughran, Pouya Rahmani stopped Slim Trabelsi by TKO in the first, Florim Zendeli outpointed Omar El Dafrawy, Mirafzal Akhtamov narrowly edged Luann Sardinha by split decision, Takeshi Izumi defeated Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci, Makkasharip Zaynukov outpointed John Mitchell, and Jarrah Al-Selawe secured a split-decision win over Gregory Babene.
What the night means for 2025 plans
The Dubai results continue to shape the early narrative of the 2025 season. Nurmagomedov’s latest win reinforces his status as a dominant lightweight figure who could shape the championship picture for the year ahead. The rematch against Hughes will likely be remembered for its contentious scorecard, which has already sparked discussion among fans and pundits about judging in high-stakes title fights. For Hughes, the setback is a reminder that title ambitions in the PFL remain within reach, but the path to another title shot will demand consistency across multiple outings in a stacked weight class.
How to watch and next steps
PFL Dubai aired live with coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited, with follow‑up highlights and analysis available after the event. For those following the circuit, the results from Dubai set up intriguing matchups and potential rematches as the season progresses. Fans can expect further live blogs and round‑by‑round breakdowns as fighters navigate the rest of the 2025 schedule.
Live results recap
Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (c) def. Paul Hughes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)
Light heavyweight: Corey Anderson (c) def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (49-45, 48-47, 49-45)
Bantamweight: Sergio Pettis def. Magomed Magomedov via knockout (spinning back elbow and punches) at 4:31 of R2
Lightweight: Archie Colgan def. Jay-Jay Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Catchweight (140 lb): Jack Cartwright def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28 All)
Heavyweight: Pouya Rahmani def. Slim Trabelsi via TKO (punches) at 2:47 of R1
Welterweight: Florim Zendeli def. Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28 All)
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Lightweight: Takeshi Izumi def. Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Makkasharip Zaynukov def. John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight: Jarrah Al-Selawe def. Gregory Babene via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
