The PFL arrived in Dubai this past Saturday night to kick off the promotion's Road to Dubai Champions Series that will continue throughout 2025.
January 25 was all about the main event at the Coca-Cola Arena and Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes set an incredibly high bar to live up to.
The fight was fascinating on paper and massively delivered in reality as the two men went toe-to-toe over five rounds.
Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator lightweight title, and his undefeated record, by beating the Irishman via a majority decision following a gutsy performance from the challenger.
Vadim Nemkov continued to impress since moving up to heavyweight as he submitted Tim Johnson in the opening round.
It was a dominant night for Dagestan across the board in their rivalry against Ireland with the three main card bouts that pitted the two nations against each other all went the way of the grappling specialists.
Check out the full results listed below:
Main card:
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) – for Bellator lightweight title
Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:08
Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4:20
Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Prelims:
Ahmed Samy def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm triangle) – Round 2, 2:50
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 3:18
