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Undefeated lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) is set to defend his PFL title against Paul Hughes (13-1) in the main event of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai this Saturday at the Coca Cola Arena. However, Nurmagomedov remains unimpressed by his challenger, dismissing Hughes’ rise as more about marketing than merit.
“Brother, nobody knows who is Paul Hughes,” Nurmagomedov said during an interview. “He can talk something only because he wants to promote himself. PFL gave him this title shot only because he’s from Ireland, and they want to promote Ireland vs. Dagestan – something like that.”
Hughes, who became the No. 1 contender after an impressive performance against A.J. McKee at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants last October, now faces a monumental challenge in Nurmagomedov. Despite Hughes’ efforts to establish himself as a legitimate contender, Nurmagomedov believes the Irishman lacks the technical prowess to pose a real threat.
“I think after first round, I will feel who is this guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “Technically, there’s nothing he can surprise me (with) – just little boxing, little kicks, not bad takedown defense, and that’s it.”
Nurmagomedov has proven himself to be one of the most dominant fighters in the PFL, recently retaining his title in a grueling five-round battle against Alexandr Shabliy this past September. Confident in his abilities, he remains unfazed by the prospect of facing Hughes and plans to perform another dominant performance.
“Inshallah, we’re going to finish this guy,” Nurmagomedov declared. “I will destroy him all five rounds, or I will finish him in the first three rounds.”
While Hughes has been vocal about his ambitions and has captured the attention of fans with his promotional efforts, Nurmagomedov is determined to silence the Irishman and solidify his reign as PFL’s lightweight champion.
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