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Usman Nurmagomedov’s undefeated record narrowly survived a fierce test against Paul Hughes in the main event of PFL Dubai. The reigning lightweight champion eked out a majority decision victory after five grueling rounds, marking one of the most intense fights of 2025 so far.
In the pre-fight buildup, Nurmagomedov dismissed Hughes’s credentials, claiming he “didn’t know much about him” and doubting Hughes’s worthiness for the title shot. However, the Irishman made the champion eat those words with a brilliant performance, showcasing remarkable takedown defense and punishing body work. Nurmagomedov responded with a relentless arsenal of kicks to Hughes’s legs and body, keeping the fight razor-close through the early rounds.
The third round was pivotal as Nurmagomedov received a point deduction for repeated low blows. With the pressure mounting, he turned to his wrestling to gain control, but Hughes continually rose to the occasion, making every moment competitive.
The drama escalated in the fourth round when an accidental clash of heads left Nurmagomedov in visible pain and opened a deep cut on Hughes’s forehead. In a cinematic moment, Hughes, bloodied but undeterred, stared down the champion like a predator ready to strike. Nurmagomedov, however, recovered and scored a crucial takedown to regain his composure.
The fifth and final round delivered even more fireworks. Nurmagomedov started strong with an early takedown, but Hughes stormed back in the latter half, engaging in a thrilling slugfest that had the crowd on their feet. Both men left everything in the cage, with the judges ultimately awarding Nurmagomedov a majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).
After the fight, Nurmagomedov praised Hughes for pushing him to his limits, admitting, “He made me a better fighter tonight.” Hughes, despite the loss, solidified his status as one of the top lightweights in the sport with a performance that will be remembered for years.