Usman Nurmagomedov gears up to defend title in Dubai

Dubai: History will be made at Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena as Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion, steps into the cage to defend his title against Ireland’s rising star Paul “Big News” Hughes. The high-stakes clash headlines Fight Week for the Road to Dubai Champions Series this Saturday, marking the city’s first-ever MMA main event.

“I am always excited to challenge myself against the best athletes, and I view Paul Hughes as a worthy opponent,” Nurmagomedov said. “I’m proud to be the first MMA main event in Dubai history.”

Clash of records and weights

Nurmagomedov enters the fight with a spotless 18-0 record, while Hughes boasts a 13-1 record, fresh off his biggest career win at PFL’s “Battle of the Giants,” where he defeated AJ McKee.

Both fighters weighed in evenly on Friday, with Nurmagomedov at 154.9 pounds and Hughes at 155 pounds, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.

Where and when to watch

“I just know my game and I know how to get my game going. So when it comes to someone like Usman, yeah, he’s looked incredible, and he’s fought and beaten very good guys, but they’re not me,” Hughes told MMA Fighting.

Hughes eyes another underdog triumph

Hughes enters the fight as a heavy underdog against the more experienced Nurmagomedov, but he thrives in such scenarios. His shocking Split Decision win over AJ McKee, a former Bellator champion, paved the way for this title shot.

“The championship has always been in my plans, and now it’s coming to fruition in January when I face Usman,” Hughes said. “I respect what he brings to the table, and I am not discrediting him, but I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion.

“People were doubting me [against McKee], and they had reason to doubt. There was no reason to take such a big step so early in my career, but there were zero doubts in my mind, and it’s the same with Usman,” he explained.

Global MMA talent takes the stage

The event will feature 11 bouts, showcasing 22 fighters from 13 countries, including UAE, Russia, Ireland, the USA, Brazil, England, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and the Philippines.

Notable matchups include Emirati Hadi Omar Al Husseini against Filipino fighter Roel Banales, Irishman Nathan Kelly versus Russian Khasan Magomedov, and Irishman Kenny Mokhwana taking on Englishman Ibrahim Ibragimov.

Full fight card for PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series

Additional bouts will see American fighter Johnson face Russian Nemkov, Brazilian Klevers Fernandez against Russian Rinat Khavalov, and Egyptian Ahmed Sami versus Syrian Tarek Suleiman. Other key pairings include Russian Yakub Suleimanov against Jordanian Jarrah Al Silawi, Uzbek Muradov “Mirko” Akhtamov against Englishman Mike “Levi” Thompson, Irishman John Mitchell versus Algerian Souhail Thaheri, and Saudi Mustafa Nada taking on British fighter Haidar “Darth” Khan.

A night to remember

With 22 fighters from across the globe and a title bout steeped in history, Fight Week promises to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. As the unbeaten Nurmagomedov and the fearless Hughes prepare to collide, all eyes will be on Dubai to see who walks away with the championship belt.

The action kicks off at 8pm, setting the stage for a night where champions are crowned, and legends are born.