Usman Nurmagomedov had one other conflict on his palms however finally obtained the job performed with a unanimous determination win over Paul Hughes in five-round traditional to cap off PFL Dubai on Friday.
A punishing grappling assault together with some well-timed strikes allowed Nurmagomedov to remain simply far sufficient forward that Hughes wasn’t fairly capable of catch up, though he positively did his personal harm within the combat. Hughes repeatedly obtained up from takedowns however Nurmagomedov was relentless as he made probably the most of his positional benefits to get the nod on the scorecards.
An extremely shut combat throughout 5 rounds les to the judges giving Nurmagomedov the combat with scores studying 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47. There have been various curious seems at that 50-45 scorecard however the consequence continues to be the identical with Nurmagomedov successful and claiming the PFL light-weight title.
“Wonderful feeling,” Nurmagomedov stated in regards to the win. “In entrance of my father I win this belt, I’m so comfortable. You need to say this combat was so shut, too? I really feel I used to be successful each spherical however it was a troublesome combat with a really robust opponent. Massive respect for you, on your crew guys. Massive respect, brother.
The win places Nurmagomedov at 2-0 over Hughes however it’s robust to consider these two gained’t see one another once more sooner or later. Each fights have produced prompt classics for the PFL however in the long run, Nurmagomedov remained undefeated with one other assertion win.
Whereas it wasn’t the end result he needed, Hughes paid homage to Nurmagomedov on a job properly performed as he goes again to the drafting board and continues his pursuit of PFL gold.
“I can be again,” Hughes stated. “Belief me, I can be again. Thanks Usman and his crew as properly, a lot respect.”
Some early placing exchanges noticed the lightweights buying and selling leg kicks however a groin shot from Nurmagomedov paused the motion momentarily within the opening spherical. On the restart, Nurmagomedov launched a few stiff kicks to the physique earlier than swooping inside to toss Hughes to the bottom.
Nurmagomedov virtually instantly superior to take the again with Hughes caught taking part in protection with the Russian on the assault. Simply as Nurmagomedov began searching for a rear-naked choke, Hughes scrambled to flee earlier than he snapped off a lightning fast mixture to finish the spherical.
With a particular grappling benefit, Nurmagomedov turned to his wrestling once more however he couldn’t preserve management and that allowed Hughes to flee as he started winging enormous photographs attempting to do harm. Hughes was connecting with higher accuracy however Nurmagomedov was nonetheless touchdown his personal photographs as they continued buying and selling bombs.
Because the combat moved into the third spherical, Hughes was always going for the kill and Nurmagomedov was countering behind a stiff jab. Repeated calf kicks did begin to repay for Hughes, particularly after he slammed dwelling with thudding shot that had Nurmagomedov limping backwards momentarily.
One other groin strikes stopped Hughes in his observe however referee Keith Peterson refused to take a degree away and Nurmagomedov was capable of safe a takedown on the restart. Hughes’ protection continued to pay dividends to keep away from the grappling exchanges however he wasn’t producing as a lot offense, particularly after Nurmagomedov cracked him with a tough physique shot.
With 5 minutes remaining, Hughes snapped off a nasty lead jab that buckled Nurmagomedov’s knees briefly and that led to a takedown try. Hughes stored the combat standing and he delivered one other stiff jab with Nurmagomedov’s coaches shouting at him to use strain and use his grappling.
Hughes continued marching ahead, trying to arrange his punches with Nurmagomedov working off his again foot. Whereas Hughes was throwing extra, Nurmagomedov was nonetheless snapping his head again with some well-timed strikes earlier than establishing a late takedown simply earlier than time expired.
It was a back-and-forth battle all through however Nurmagomedov’s grappling probably weighed heavy within the judges’ minds as he secured the victory in the long run. With the win, Nurmagomedov is already trying in direction of the longer term with 2025 PFL match winner Alfie Davis subsequent in line for the title shot.
“Alfie Davis, any time wherever, I’m ready for you,” Nurmagomedov shouted. “Simply let me know.”
