The Arena presents PFL Dubai outcomes, including real-time, round-by-round analysis, key moments, and the scheduled start time for the Usman Nurmagomedov versus Paul Hughes 2 competition, taking place this Friday at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. The undefeated lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, is set to potentially thwart Paul Hughes’ aspirations for a title once more, in what is considered among the most highly anticipated rematches of 2025.
Nurmagomedov (19 victories, no losses, 1 no contest) has been recognized for a considerable time as a potential future cornerstone within the 155-pound division. After his debut with Bellator in April 2021, holding an unblemished record of 12-0, Nurmagomedov progressed to secure the Bellator lightweight championship, defending it on two occasions before clinching the PFL championship through a majority decision victory against Hughes in January. This contest is regarded as the most tightly contested in Nurmagomedov’s career thus far and is a nominee for the 2025 Fight of the Year honor.
Hughes (13 victories, 2 losses) had demonstrated near-perfection until his encounter with Nurmagomedov. A singular defeat to Jordan Vucenic by split decision in 2020 was recorded before his confrontation with Nurmagomedov, but Ireland’s “Big News” swiftly recovered with a streak of seven consecutive victories. To gain his initial opportunity at a title, Hughes surprised observers with a notable triumph over former Bellator champion AJ McKee in his PFL debut. Hughes has participated in one fight following the memorable match against Nurmagomedov, finishing Bruno Miranda with strikes in merely 42 seconds this past May.
In the co-main event, the light heavyweight category highlights another championship rematch, pitting PFL champion Corey Anderson against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov. The two athletes initially met in April 2021, with Anderson emerging as the victor via a stoppage in the third round. Yagshimuradov holds a record of 7 wins and 1 loss since then, with seven consecutive wins.
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PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov against Hughes commences at 11:30 a.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN Unlimited.
Follow The Arena’s coverage of PFL Dubai: Nurmagomedov versus Hughes 2 outcomes, highlight moments, and a live blog below, featuring detailed, round-by-round reporting of both championship matches.
Competition Lineup
Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (c) defeated Paul Hughes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)
Light heavyweight: Corey Anderson (c) defeated Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (49-45, 48-47, 49-45)
Bantamweight: Sergio Pettis defeated Magomed Magomedov via knockout (spinning back elbow and punches) at 4:31 of R2 | Watch finish
Lightweight: Archie Colgan defeated Jay-Jay Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Catchweight (140 lb): Jack Cartwright defeated Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28 All)
Heavyweight: Pouya Rahmani defeated Slim Trabelsi via TKO (punches) at 2:47 of R1 | Watch finish
Welterweight: Florim Zendeli defeated Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28 All)
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov defeated Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Lightweight: Takeshi Izumi defeated Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Makkasharip Zaynukov defeated John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight: Jarrah Al-Selawe defeated Gregory Babene via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
