“Paul Hughes is legit” – Team Khabib’s Usman Nurmagomedov wins controversial decision; Irish opponent impresses with gritty performance

Champions Series: Road to Dubai DAZN PPV Results - Usman Nurmagomedov wins controversial decision vs. Paul Hughes.

“Paul Hughes is legit” – Team Khabib’s Usman Nurmagomedov wins controversial decision; Irish opponent impresses with gritty performance

Usman Nurmagomedov ekes and retains vs. Paul Hughes in electric Champions Series: Road to Dubai fight (Source: X)

Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes squared off earlier today (January 25, 2025) in PFL’s “Road to Dubai” event headliner. Lightweight champ Nurmagomedov went to a gritty strike-and-back clinic with the challenger in the revamped Dagestan vs. Ireland 2 showdown. At the end of it, the Russian champ narrowly escaped with his belt at Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

The all-out action Dagestan vs. Ireland 2 began around 11 a.m. ET streaming on Max/DAZN PPV. Early on, it was a feeling-out procedure, breaking into the striking pockets. Usman Nurmagomedov sent out feelers of fast shots. Cornered by the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, he was all but sure to change levels soon. Rounds 2 and 3 went much the same with brilliant shot pacing.

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Usman Nurmagomedov found his pace and even got the credit for initiating the takedowns. However, Hughes recovered rather quickly and even retorted with short jabs from bottom. The Irishman came out with more in that exchange. A couple of eye pokes and a low blow by Nurmagomedov saw a point deduction in R3.

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No dollies came flying at the Champions Series: Road to Dubai DAZN PPV (Series 6) scrapper at Coca-Cola Arena. But heads did crash for both Nurmagomedov and the lightweight challenger; Paul Hughes bled through during R4. However, the champ got the worst of it, with an angling hinge dashing up through his temple. “Big News” Hughes and his huge forehead cut did not gas him out.

The Dagestani fighter appeared gassed and held on to Hughes in the last round. However, Hughes did a surprise reversal and finished the final round swinging big at the champion. After a whole 25 minutes, he defeated Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) in a clear FOTY candidate! However, the “big” stuff to come out of it is “Big News”; the internet has reacted as such.

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Usman Nurmagomedov remains Bellator’s lightweight champion after an early Fight of the Year contender vs. Paul Hughes. After the current dissolution, they needed the electric fight. However, controversies arose due to the controversial scorecards.

Top reactions to Paul Hughes' Champions Series: Road to Dubai performance
Top reactions to Paul Hughes’ Champions Series: Road to Dubai performance (Source: X)

The one main thing that has come out of this is setting the ceiling on the Irishman’s astounding striking prowess, forward-stalking counter ability, and spirit. Here are some top reactions to it:

Paul Hughes (13-2) was the big story in this Champions Series: Road to Dubai DAZN PPV Lightweight title fight. A large majority of the fans felt Hughes deserved the win, considering Usman had a point deduction. Some fans chirped that the Irish fighter was not going to win a decision in the Middle East.

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A couple of  Conor McGregor foes pitched in. Crisp range boxer and UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier (@DustinPoirier) billed that “Paul Hughes is legit!!” Problem Child Jake Paul floated that Hughes did what the Irishman predecessor could not – get everyone talking with a dominant showing. All in all, despite his seven-fight streak now in a slump, Hughes goes home a bigger fighter.

Related: How Islam Makhachev retirement and Usman Nurmagomedov’s arrival to UFC is linked