Overview

• Usman Nurmagomedov retained the lightweight crown at PFL’s Road to Dubai by unanimous decision, with two wide cards of 50-45 and 49-46 drawing broad criticism.
• On The Ariel Helwani Show, Paul Hughes called Bryan Miner’s 50-45 scorecard “insanity” and said he believes he won at least two rounds.
• Hughes alleged a hard low blow and a headbutt from Nurmagomedov and questioned referee Keith Peterson’s handling, saying a point deduction was warranted.
• In a separate statement, Hughes said the fight was close but acknowledged he “did not do enough,” framing the loss as his responsibility and vowing to rebuild.
• Hughes is now 0-2 against Nurmagomedov and 3-2 in the PFL, with talk of a trilogy tempered by Nurmagomedov’s PFL contract through 2026 and uncertain matchmaking plans.