PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series results: Usman Nurmagomedov retains in early FOTY candidate vs. Paul Hughes

Usman Nurmagomedov is still Bellator lightweight champion after an early Fight of the Year candidate against Paul Hughes.

One of the best fights PFL could put together on paper delivered a thrilling five-round affair in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. After 25 minutes, Nurmagomedov (19-0) was announced the winner over Hughes (13-2) by majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).

Nurmagomedov set the tone early in the first round with an array of kicks in Hughes’ direction. Mixing up attacks to the legs, head, and body, Nurmagomedov kept Hughes guessing. The Irishman remained composed as he established his own offense in a competitive opening round.

Did anyone else jump out of their seat thinking it was a clean body shot finish? Tension is high. Round 1 continues….#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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The intensity turned up a notch early in Round 2 as Hughes took Nurmagomedov off balance with a switch kick. The champ attempted to bring the fight to the ground, but Hughes’ takedown defense was solid. Nurmagomedov’s left leg appeared compromised from Hughes’ kicks as the round came to a close.

Paul Hughes battles the takedown attempt throwing hands!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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As Nurmagomedov exited a takedown attempt in Round 3, he nailed Hughes with a hard kick to the family jewels. The strike was egregious enough for referee Mike Beltran to take a point. The fight resumed after a short break, and Nurmagomedov’s wrestling immediately began to see some success. Hughes managed to fight his way back into the round as the crowd showed their appreciation for the action.

Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes go back and forth in the 3rd! Championship Rounds coming up…#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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Hughes continued his forward-stalking approach in Round 4, connecting with nice combinations as Nurmagomedov worked his offense while circling on the outside. During the heat of an exchange with about 90 seconds left in the round, the fighters clashed heads, opening a cut in the middle of Hughes’ forehead. Nurmagomedov took harder force damage and dropped to the canvas. Hughes licked the blood and flashed a smile while pumping up the crowd.

After a doctor checked on Nurmagomedov, the fight continued. The champ scored a takedown, keeping Hughes on the ground until the round concluded.

Hughes kept came forward with punches in the final round, but left an opening for Nurmagomedov to get back to his wrestling game. The crowd roared with each knee Nurmagomedov drilled into Hughes’s thighs. Eventually Hughes worked free and let his hands go, making for some intense moments in the closing seconds.

#AndSTILL Bellator Lightweight Champion USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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The judges had their say, and one saw the fight as a draw, while the other two saw it for the Bellator champion.

With the result, Nurmagomedov keeps his unbeaten record in tact and retains the title of a now-defuct Bellator promotion. It is unclear how PFL will handle his championship status as it begins to consolidate the titles. Hughes suffers the second defeat of his pro career, ending a seven-fight winning streak.

Full PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series results include:

• Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) – for Bellator lightweight title
• Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:08
• Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:20
• Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Ahmed Samy def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
• Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm triangle) – Round 2, 2:50
• Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
• John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 3:18

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.