Usman Nurmagomedov dedicated his latest commanding victory to his father after extending his perfect record to 20-0 following a unanimous decision win over Paul Hughes in the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch at the Coca-Cola Arena on Friday.
The Dagestani, returning to the cage eight months after their first meeting, looked in remarkable physical shape as he dominated the lightweight title rematch.
He also had a partisan crowd backing him at a packed arena along with his father, Abubaker, family members including the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov and coach Javier Mendez in his corner.
“Amazing feeling. I feel how you support me, how you support our team. I won this belt in front of my father. I'm so happy, and I dedicate this fight to him,” Usman said after receiving the belt.
“I felt I was winning every round, but it was a very tough fight with a very tough opponent. I wasn’t underestimating him this time, I think he underestimated me.
“Maybe he made a mistake, but anyway, happy to see you again, and thank you so much for the fight, Paul, big respect for you and your team. We gave the Middle East, and Dubai in particular, a very big night, and I'm so happy for that.”
Khabib, too, paid tribute to Hughes, 28, and his team for the fights he put up against Usman, 27.
“First of all, I want to say thank you, because this guy (Hughes) pushed him last January,” Khabib said.
“Tonight, it was also not an easy fight but we showed the improvements. These two fighters have age on their side to continue to improve in the next five, six years. They have got a lot going for them.”
Usman revealed his preparation was overseen by coach Mendez and not Khabib.
“The truth is it was Javier Mendez,” he responded. “I worked with him and it was hard. Of course, I also have all my team including Khabib, Usman, Islam as always. But yes, it was with Javier I prepared.”
The fight was not as close as the first meeting. Usman was marginally ahead in the blows exchanged and also tried several take downs, but Hughes was able to slip out every time.
The Dagestani almost had Hughes in a rear naked choke attempt in the first of those takedowns in round one, but the Northern Irelander did well to escape.
“He gave me this fight. I know he's strong. I know he will come strong. I know everything. I knew it was going to be hard to finish him but I tried,” Usman said.
What’s next?
“To make it 21 (wins),” Usman added.
While Hughes will have now to work his way back to a title contest, PFL 2025 lightweight tournament winner Alfie Davis has emerged as a front-runner for a possible match against Usman.
“Alfie Davis, anytime, anywhere, I'm waiting for you,” the champion said when asked of a potential showdown against the Englishman.
Hughes was gracious in defeat, having ended the five-round contest with a nearly closed left eye. He didn’t get a post-fight interview, but thanked his fans and promised he will be back.
In the co-main event, Corey Anderson won the PFL light heavyweight belt with a unanimous decision over Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.
Anderson received a few heavy blows in round 1 but held on to end the Albanian’s seven-fight winning run.
Anderson’s boxing skills and takedown attempts saw his opponent run out of gas at the end.
Earlier in the card, Dubai-based Iranian Pouya Rahmani provided a quick finish by knocking down Slim Trebelsi in a heavyweight contest.
A popular figure among Dubai fans, Rahmani threw a power-packed right to send Treblesi to the canvas, followed by a flurry of punches before the referee stopped the contest after two minutes 47 seconds in the first round.
Rahmani was meeting the Tunisian after winning a grappling contest against him in May.
“He's a good wrestler, he went to the Olympics. I'm a wrestler too, but I had grappled him on the ground, so I didn't care if he goes for a takedown,” he said.
“Tonight, I wanted to stand and fight to show people who doubted me just as a grappler. I have showed them I can finish people with my hands. That was the plan.
“I can't wait to fight again. I heard after four months again they're gonna come to Dubai, so I'm waiting for anyone they give me.”
Results
Middleweight showcase: Jarrah Al Silawi defeated Gregory Babene (split decision)
Lightweight showcase: Makkasharip Zaynukov def John Mitchell (unanimous decision)
Lightweight showcase: Takeshi Izumi def Vinicius Censi (unanimous decision)
Lightweight showcase: Mirafzal Akhtamov def Luann Sardinha (split decision)
Welterweight showcase: Florim Zendali def Omar El Dafrawi (unanimous decision)
Heavyweight showcase: Pouya Rahmani def Slim Trabelsi (TKO 2:47, round 1)
Contract Weight showcase: Jack Cartwright def Caolan Loughran (unanimous decision)
Bantamweight showcase: Archie Colgan def Jay-Jay Wilson (unanimous decision)
Bantamweight #1 Contender: Sergio Pettis def Magomed Magomedov (knockout in 4:31, round 2)
Light heavyweight title: Corey Anderson def Dovlet Yagshimuradov (unanimous decision)
Lightweight title: Usman Nurmagomedov def Paul Hughes (unanimous decision)
