Is Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes 2 The Best Fight Outside The UFC?
PFL Champions Series 2 takes place in Dubai this Friday headlined by a superb lightweight title fight. The long awaited rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes is expected to be just as good if not better than the first which took place in January in the very same arena.
Legacy Moment For Usman Nurmagomedov?
At 19-0 he has one of the best records in all of MMA could this be the moment Usman steps out the shadow of the icon Khabib Nurmagomedov. After joining Bellator in April 2021 the Russian won four fights straight and then leapt into a title fight with Patricky Pitbull which he won via unanimous decision. After winning the belt he defended it three times against Benson Henderson, Brent Primus and Alexander Shabliy. However, that second defence against Primus was overturned to a no contest after a positive drug test result. His last outing was the close majority decision victory over Hughes in January where he was pushed to his limit.
If victorious against Hughes for a second time it would add another feather to the Russian’s cap and the question inevitably would be who or what next? The UFC will always be the premier MMA organisation and long reigns in other organisations don’t quite compare. With training partner Islam Makhachev seemingly moving up into welterweight is there now an opportunity for Nurmagomedov to jump into title contention at 155lbs in the UFC.
Paul Hughes gunning for revenge
The pride of Ireland has been talked about in the UK MMA scene for many years, his career in Cage Warriors was phenomenal and the move to Bellator/PFL came as a surprise as many felt he was destined for the UFC. The talent of Hughes is unquestionable and has been proven time and time again. Now on a global stage after leaving Cage Warriors in 2024 the world know the name Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes and he is hungry for revenge in Dubai.
After narrow defeat in January fans rallied behind Hughes for an immediate rematch which was dismissed from the champion. Hughes took it upon himself to remain active and tore through Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds in front of thousands of Irish fans in Belfast. That violent victory in May further reinforced the idea that this rematch had to happen and happen next.
Who do you think wins this much anticipated rematch?
