Usman Nurmagomedov outlasts Paul Hughes in closely-contest, potential Fight of the Year war to remain Lightweight World Champion

JANUARY 25, 2025 THOMAS ALBANO

Usman Nurmagomedov’s background is a prestigious one, coming out of the legendary Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov MMA School, having trained under the likes of American Kickboxing Academy coach Javier Mendez and cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov, and with training partners that include Islam Makhachev and 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov. Nurmagomedov won the Bellator Lightweight Championship with a victory over Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288. He has since retained the title against Benson Henderson, Brent Primus and Alexandr Shabliy.

Paul Hughes has been one of MMA’s best rising stars coming out of Ireland. At 13-1, Hughes, who signed with the PFL last year, comes into tonight with a seven-fight win streak. He defeated Bobby King in Dublin back in June before a huge, split decision win over former Bellator champion AJ McKee at PFL Battle of the Giants in October to earn tonight’s title shot.

Who will leave Dubai as the Bellator Lightweight World Champion?

Round 1

Low kicks from Nurmagomedov to start things off. Round kick by Nurmagomedov, testing range. A couple of more kicks from Nurmagomedov. Another low and body kick from the champion. Hughes finally responds with a low kick of his own. Front kick from Nurmagomedov. Round kick to the body. Low kick by Hughes. Right hand from Nurmagomedov. Side kick to the midsection by Nurmagomedov, followed by an inside leg kick.

Low kick from Nurmagomedov. More kicks from the champion. Solid jab from Nurmagomedov. The two exchange after a pause from a low blow. Hughes with a right hand to the midsection. Hughes catches Nurmagomedov coming in. Low side kick from Hughes. Hughes now lands a groin kick on Nurmagomedov, and we have another time out. Another exchange. Low kick from Hughes. Nurmagomedov with a front kick. Nurmagomedov with a high kick that misses. Left hand from Nurmagomedov. Inside hook from Hughes.

Round 2

Hughes with a jab as Nurmagomedov goes back to his kicking-based attack. Side kick to the face by Nurmagomedov. Low kicks again from Nurmagomedov. Switch kick by Hughes gets Nurmagomedov off balance. Nurmagomedov goes in for a clinch and takedown, but Hughes shakes him off. Nurmagomedov with a couple of low kicks. Another exchange, and Nurmagomedov gets a hold of Hughes, pursuing pressure. Flurry of shots from Hughes, as he rips to the body. Knee to the body by Nurmagomedov. Hughes and Nurmagomedov jockey for position against the fence.