DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Usman Nurmagomedov versus Paul Hughes delivered on all of the hype and anticipation surrounding the World Title Battle because it was introduced.
The principle occasion of PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence noticed a 25-minute battle between the prides of Dagestan and Eire, with Nurmagomedov remaining unbeaten after receiving the nod from two of the three judges sitting exterior the SmartCage (47-47, 48-46, 48-46). After the bulk resolution win, Nurmagomedov had nothing however respect for his opponent.
“That is for you guys, Paul Hughes, you’re the man, brother you’re powerful, I underestimated this man,” Usman Nurmagomedov mentioned. “However I’m nonetheless undefeated, undisputed Bellator Light-weight Champion.”
After his unbelievable efficiency, Hughes made it clear he would love a rematch in Belfast, “It performed out how I anticipated, I’m so gutted and upset I misplaced. I believed I received the struggle, I most likely left some within the tank, I would like to go away every little thing behind subsequent time. I actually thought I used to be going to win,” Paul Hughes mentioned. “The PFL believed in me and I consider within the PFL. We’ve to do the rematch in Belfast, it needs to be in Belfast, I feel I’ve earned this.”
PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence is the inaugural “Highway to Dubai” occasion following the signing of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Division of Economic system and Tourism (DET), Dubai Sports activities Council (DSC), and the Skilled Fighters League (PFL).
The primary-of-its-kind partnership will see MMA world champions and the game’s largest stars from the PFL compete in title fights as Dubai turns into a marquee vacation spot for the perfect of MMA. All different Champions Sequence occasions will now be co-branded as “Highway to Dubai”, as every present culminates to the finale set within the new struggle capital. As a part of the PFL’s dedication to growing the game of MMA in Dubai, rising Emirati star fighters will now have a pathway to change into future PFL Champions.
Within the Heavyweight co-main occasion of the night, former Bellator Mild Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov (19-2) made fast work of Tim Johnson (18-11), needing solely 3:08 to submit the Minnesota Nation Guardsman. Initially slated to face Corey Anderson in a rematch, Johnson took the bout on brief discover and introduced the struggle to Nemkov, but it surely was a rear-naked choke that marked the top of the bout. With the victory, Nemkov hasn’t tasted defeat in his final 14 outings.
Dagestan’s Akhmed Magomedov (11-1) submitted Eire’s Nathan Kelly (11-3) by way of rear-naked choke at 4:22 of the second spherical in a Featherweight essential card bout on Saturday. Magomedov shook off any rust rapidly, as he had not fought in nearly two years previous to this struggle. With the win, Dagestan moved to 2-0 in opposition to Eire with the principle occasion remaining.
England’s Ibragim Ibragimov improved to 9-0 after a unanimous resolution victory (30-27 x3) in opposition to Kenny Mokhonoana (5-2). His third win now underneath the PFL banner, the Manchester High Workforce product continues to point out that he’s not solely probably the greatest rising prospects on the European MMA scene, however globally as nicely.
The opening essential card bout of PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence featured Russia’s Renat Khavalov (9-0) in opposition to Brazil’s Cleiver Fernandes (9-2) at Bantamweight. With each Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov in his nook, Khavalov cruised to a unanimous (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) resolution in his PFL debut, remaining undefeated to start out his profession.
Preliminary Card Outcomes:
Ahmed Samy (12-4) defeated Tarek Suleiman (13-9) by way of TKO at 5:00 of spherical one
Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-0-1) defeated Mike Thompson (7-3) by way of technical submission (head and arm choke) at 2:50 of spherical two
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (6-1-1) defeated Ruel Panales (5-3) by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27
John Mitchell (10-2) defeated Souhil Tairi (7-6-1) by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Haider Khan (9-1) defeated Mostafa Nada (9-4) by way of TKO at 3:18 of spherical one
Talal Alqallaf (3-0 AM.) defeated Saeed Alhosani (4-3 AM.) by way of unanimous resolution (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and in addition a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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