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3h ago

Paul Hughes Set for Dubai Rematch With Usman Nurmagomedov for PFL Lightweight Title

A disputed January decision supercharged interest in the rivalry, setting up an immediate return bout.

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Overview

  • The PFL lightweight world-title fight is scheduled for Friday in Dubai as the co-main event of the Champions Series: Road to Dubai.
  • Their first meeting in January ended in a majority decision for Nurmagomedov (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) after a point deduction for an accidental head clash, a verdict widely questioned by Hughes and many observers.
  • Hughes enters the rematch after a 42-second knockout of Bruno Miranda in May at Belfast’s SSE Arena, his first fight at home since 2019.
  • The Derry-born contender overcame repeated hand fractures early in his career despite doctors advising retirement, spending time working construction in Sydney before returning to full-time training in Belfast.
  • Hughes has said he will call for a trilogy if he wins and hopes a third bout could take place at Belfast’s Windsor Park, while Nurmagomedov has acknowledged he once underestimated him.