Overview

• Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes each weighed in at 155.0 pounds to finalize today’s main event at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
• Their first meeting in January ended in a narrow majority decision for Nurmagomedov after a point deduction for an accidental head clash.
• The return bout followed drawn-out negotiations, with Nurmagomedov initially resisting an immediate rematch before the fight was agreed in the summer.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov publicly praised Hughes and backed the do-over, while Usman said he disagreed with his cousin’s view that Hughes deserved it.
• Sportsbooks have Nurmagomedov favored (FanDuel example: -225) over underdog Hughes (+188), with Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov also set for the light heavyweight title on the card.