Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes turned in an early contender for 2025's 'Fight Of The Year' award when they met in the main event at the PFL Road To Dubai: Champions Series event on January 25th.
Bellator lightweight title-holder Nurmagomedov (19-0) edged out the Irish contender by way of majority decision after an epic 5-round contest which had fans around the world on the edge of their seats. Speaking in the PFL smartcage after the fight, Irish star Hughes (13-2) called for an immediate rematch, something that fans and media alike seemed to agree with.
However, Nurmagomedov poured cold water on that idea while speaking to media backstage afterwards. "He have to win like, a couple...three, four fights in Bellator" he responded when asked if Hughes deserves an immediate rematch, "because he have only two fights and they gave him a title shot."
Hughes highlighted how Nurmagomedov took advantage of an opportunity to recover from an accidental clash of heads between the pair which happened just as "Big News" looked to turning the screw on his Dagestani opponent in the 4th round.
While speaking to Mike Bohn on the MMA Junkie YouTube channel this week, Nurmagomedov dismissed the Irishman's claims that the accident had prevented a KO win for the challenger.
"If he said it was close to finish me, why he don't finish?" said Nurmagomedov when asked about the incident. "And what? He rest too, he take rest too. He was standing and breathing, resting, same thing what I did, but I was...I crashed here (points to forehead), and he crashed from this (points to top of head). This (the top) is more strong than that place (forehead), you know? But anyway, I'm so happy to win".
Nurmagomedov also looks to have changed his tune on how many fights he believes "Big News" would have to win to deserve a rematch. "We can do it again, why not?" he responded when asked if the rematch could happen soon. "If he will win one fight we can do it again. One. Just win one fight and call my name. When he called my name the first time, I accepted. Next time I will accept too. I don't care. Anyone who deserves a title shot, I will (be) ready), just let me know. Location, time and date".
