Usman Nurmagomedov is two-for-two against Paul Hughes.
Much like the first meeting, the second one, on Friday at PFL Champions Series 2: Dubai, resulted in much discussion, debate, and even perhaps some controversy. The judges at Coca-Cola Center scored it for Nurmagomedov (20-0) with scorecards of 50-45, 49-46, and 48-47 over Hughes (14-3). Nurmagomedov won the vacant PFL lightweight title with the victory.
The fight was razor-thin, with many viewers and reporters online scoring the fight 48-47 for one fighter or the other. Nurmagomedov had a strong first round, as he utilized his grappling and overcame a hard Hughes knee. Fouls marred the fight with multiple low blows by Nurmagomedov. No points were deducted by referee Keith Peterson, however.
Hughes came on strong in Round 2 and Round 3. His striking found its home as he fended off Nurmagomedov’s takedown attempts. Nurmagomedov found his second win, though. In the championship rounds, Nurmagomedov’s striking was more successful. In razor-close exchanges, he seemed to twist the judges’ arms into ultimately scoring the fight for him.
Many viewers expressed their displeasure with the scoring – particularly the 50-45 shutout – on social media after the bout. However, a win is a win for Nurmagomedov in the record books.
After the win, Nurmagomedov called for a fight vs. Alfie Davis, who won the promotion’s 2025 lightweight world tournament over Nurmagomedov’s teammate Gadzhi Rabadanov.
Nurmagomedov and Hughes first fought in January, putting on an all-time classic bout that generated similar post-fight buzz as the rematch. Like the rematch, the initial fight saw Nurmagomedov win a closely contested decision. That one was a majority decision, with one judge scoring the fight a draw.
Full PFL Champions Series 2 results include:
- Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47) – for vacant lightweight title
- Corey Anderson def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (49-45, 48-47, 49-45) – for vacant light heavyweight title
- Archie Colgan def. Jay Jay Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Sergio Pettis def. Magomed Magomedov via knockout (spinning back elbow) – Round 2, 4:31
- Jack Cartwright def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Pouya Rahmani def. Slim Trabelsi via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 2:47
- Florim Zendeli def. Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Luann Sardinha via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
- Takeshi Izumi def. Vinicius Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Makkasharip Zaynukov def. John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jarrah Al-Silawi def. Gregory Babene via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
