Usman Nurmagomedov is aware of who Paul Hughes is now.
On Saturday, Nurmagomedov confronted Hughes in the primary occasion of PFL Dubai, eking out a majority choice win after a five-round warfare. This got here after a promotional buildup the place Nurmagomedov repeatedly dismissed Hughes as a challenger, saying he didn’t deserve the combat and that he didn’t actually know a lot about Hughes. Effectively, Nurmagomedov is aware of a lot now.
In his post-fight speech after their Battle of the 12 months contender, Nurmagomedov acknowledged simply how good Hughes is.
“Paul Hughes, brother, you’re the man, brother,” Nurmagomedov stated. “You’re actually the person. Brother, you’re powerful. Actually, I underestimated this man. Whew. It was my little mistake, however nonetheless undefeated, undisputed, Bellator light-weight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov.”
Undefeated and the Bellator light-weight champion, Nurmagomedov was a heavy favourite heading into this matchup, however struggled early with the very sport Hughes. Hughes defended takedowns and punished Nurmagomedov’s physique with punches, turning the bout right into a dogfight at instances. Nurmagomedov was finally in a position to persevere, even overcoming some extent deduction for repeated low blows within the third spherical, however says that Hughes introduced out a unique degree from him on this bout.
“His wrestling protection, takedown protection [went] very properly,” Nurmagomedov stated. “He’s powerful, he’s sturdy. I didn’t assume he could be this sturdy, brother. Brother, you’re actually sturdy [laughs]. You inform me within the head to head, this was my mistake, you have been proper, brother. Thanks a lot.
“I by no means take this harm, what I take with him on this combat. I’ve a variety of ache on my physique. Brother, thanks for this combat. I believe I jumped to subsequent degree due to him. He make me higher than I used to be at the moment. And I believe, for certain, he acquired higher, too. Thanks a lot, Paul. I actually respect you brother.”
The win moved Nurmagomedov to 19-0, 1 No-Contest in his skilled profession.
