PFL: Usman Nurmagomedov once again defeats Paul Hughes and retains the lightweight belt

It was the most anticipated fight on the PFL card. The rematch between Paul Hughes (14-3) and Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0-0, 1 NC). And once again, the Dagestani came out on top. Usman Nurmagomedov earned his twentieth professional victory over the Irishman by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, and 48-47). “It wasn’t an easy fight, but we proved that Usman was better. We train hard all the time, that’s why we are the best team in the world,” praised Khabib Nurmagomedov after the five rounds.

A fight of very high intensity, just like their first meeting, won by the champion via majority decision last January in Dubai. This time, it was a vengeful and enterprising Paul Hughes who stood in front of the champion. He gave everything, applied more pressure, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone Usman Nurmagomedov. The Dagestani managed to impose his wrestling throughout the five rounds.

Two decision victories

Despite everything, Paul Hughes managed to take Usman Nurmagomedov to the judges’ scorecards in both fights. A fight once again was interrupted on several occasions, as in their first meeting, due to repeated groin kicks from Usman Nurmagomedov. Victorious by majority decision in their first bout, the champion this time prevailed by unanimous decision. “ It was a tough fight. I think he underestimated me. Much respect to him and thank you for everything, ” the champion explained after his victory.

“An incredible feeling. Everyone was there to support me. Thank you for everything. Winning in front of my father, I’m super happy. I did it for him. ” His next challenge will be against Alfie Davis, winner of this year’s PFL lightweight world tournament final against Usman’s training partner, Gadzhi Rabadanov. 

“Believe me, I’ll be back, ” said Paul Hughes, his face marked, at the end of the fight. In the co-main event of the evening, Corey Anderson captured the organization’s light heavyweight belt after a unanimous decision victory over Dovlet Yagshimuradov.