Overview

• The bout was confirmed by Khabib Nurmagomedov during the PFL world championship broadcast, ending months of speculation over the rematch’s timing.
• Their January encounter ended in a controversial majority decision that fueled widespread community and fighter demands for a sequel.
• Paul Hughes reignited the rivalry with a viral rubber duck stunt at PFL Belgium and a 42-second knockout of Bruno Miranda in May.
• Under the Champions Series format, the October rematch is slated to decide PFL’s inaugural lightweight champion.
• Both camps are leveraging cultural pride and theatrical promotion to amplify their Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry ahead of the showdown.