What time is the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight tonight? Cagewalks, running order, streaming, how to watch

The Professional Fighters League returns for the first time in 2025 with the Road to Dubai Champions Series headlined by Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. Ahead of the event, the PFL announced it would be stripping the Bellator name from all events going forward so it's unclear if Nurmagomedov will be elevated to a PFL champion or if all titles will become null and void going forward. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out on Saturday. 

Nurmagomedov is a highly talented individual, much like his fellow fighters with the same last name. He'll be putting his unbeaten streak on the line for the first time under the PFL banner since the promotion aquired Bellator in 2023. Hughes has been a staple in Northern Ireland for years and hasn't lost a fight since 2020. 

DAZN News has everything you need to know ahead of Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight date, start time

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes will air at an earlier time for US based fans as it will be taking place oversees. Be sure to set a reminder if you plan on watching it live. 

• Date: Saturday, January 25
• Time: 10:30 a.m. ET
• Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes main event ringwalks (approx): TBD

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight card

PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series main card:

• Lightweight title: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
• Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov (18-2) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10)
• Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
• Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
• Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)

Preliminary card:

• Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
• Middleweight: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7) 
• Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
• Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2)
• Lightweight: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
• Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)

How to watch Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes?

American viewers can watch the event on MAX. 

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes and the whole fight card will be stream live on DAZN in over 200 countries across the globe via a DAZN subscription.

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Where is the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight?

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This is the first time the PFL has hosted an event in the UAE. 

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes tale of the tape

Usman Nurmagomedov record   

• Age: 26
• Height:  5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
• Reach:  72.0 in (183 cm)
• Total fights: 19
• Record:  18-0 (1 NC)

Paul Hughes record

• Age: 27
• Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
• Reach:  70 in (178 cm)
• Total fights: 14
• Record: 13-1