Event overview
The PFL returned to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai with a highly anticipated rematch between lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and veteran challenger Paul Hughes. The headlining clash delivered drama from bell to bell, capped by a judges’ score that sparked immediate discussion in MMA circles. Nurmagomedov walked away with a unanimous decision, the official scores reading 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47, extending his undefeated run to 19-0 (with one no-contest). The card also featured a compelling co-main event and a slate of undercard bouts that kept the crowd engaged throughout the night.
Main event: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes rematch
From the opening bell, Nurmagomedov pressed the pace, mixing relentless grappling with precise striking to neutralize Hughes, who had rebounded brilliantly to earn this title shot after a string of impressive performances. The champion’s control repeatedly tilted the fight in his favor, clogging Hughes’s offense and thwarting the Irishman’s attempts to turn the momentum. As the rounds accumulated, Nurmagomedov’s efficiency and location control became evident, even as Hughes battled back with moments of offense and grit. The final tally reflected a dominant showing for Nurmagomedov on the scorecards, yet the 50-45 vote drew swift discussion, with fans and analysts debating whether the rounds were scored too aggressively in the champion’s favor. The outcome solidifies Nurmagomedov’s standing as one of the sport’s rising stars in the lightweight division while leaving Hughes without the title chance he sought to reclaim.
Scoring controversy and fan reaction
The 50-45 score, alongside the closer 49-46 and 48-47 readings, prompted social media and pundits to scrutinize judging in the rematch. Supporters argued Nurmagomedov’s relentless control earned him every round, while critics contended Hughes deserved more credit for timely offense in a few exchanges. Regardless of the debate, the result reinforces Nurmagomedov’s position atop the 155-pound division and raises questions about future matchups, potential rematches, and how rounds will be interpreted in high-stakes title fights moving forward.
Co-main event: Light heavyweight title rematch
Corey Anderson defended his light heavyweight belt in a hard-fought rematch against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. The judges rendered a unanimous decision for Anderson (49-45, 48-47, 49-45), signaling a strong performance that answered lingering questions about Yagshimuradov’s ability to overturn the April 2021 result. Since then, Yagshimuradov has strung together seven straight wins, but Anderson’s defense and consistency proved enough to retain the title on this night in Dubai.
Undercard highlights
Sergio Pettis vs. Magomed Magomedov – Pettis delivered a highlight-reel finish, scoring a knockout via spinning back elbow and punches at 4:31 of Round 2 to stake his claim in the bantamweight scene.
Archie Colgan vs. Jay-Jay Wilson – Colgan earned a clear unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in a competitive bout that showcased his well-rounded game.
Catchweight 140 lbs – Jack Cartwright defeated Caolan Loughran by unanimous decision (29-28 on all scorecards), a tightly contested result that reflected the depth of the card.
Other results – Pouya Rahmani stopped Slim Trabelsi at 2:47 of Round 1; Florim Zendeli outpointed Omar El Dafrawy (29-28 on all cards); Mirafzal Akhtamov edged Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28); Takeshi Izumi defeated Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci by (30-27, 29-28, 29-28); Makkasharip Zaynukov bested John Mitchell (30-26, 29-28, 29-28); Jarrah Al-Selawe narrowly defeated Gregory Babene (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) in a split verdict. These results rounded out a night that highlighted the breadth of talent in the PFL’s current lightweights and light heavyweights.
What’s next for PFL and the lightweight division?
Nurmagomedov’s victory in Dubai reinforces his place among the sport’s elite in the 155-pound class, with the potential for high-profile defenses and intriguing future challengers contaminating the conversation around the weight class. For Hughes, the rematch setback compounds a tougher stretch and will likely fuel discussions about how quickly he can rebound at the top level. The PFL’s lightweight landscape will eyes on fresh matchups, as the promotion continues to build a stacked calendar of events and title rematches that keep fans engaged across the globe.
