In a highly anticipated showdown at the Coco-Cola Arena in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov extended his unbeaten streak to 19 fights by defeating Paul Hughes via majority decision, thus retaining his Bellator lightweight championship. The judges scored the contest 47-47, 48-46, and 48-46, reflecting the closely contested nature of this thrilling match.

Hughes entered the octagon full of confidence after his impressive victory over AJ McKee last October, setting the stage for a remarkable title challenge. However, despite his best efforts, he fell short against the seasoned champion

"I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake but I'm still undefeated," Nurmagomedov acknowledged post-fight.

Hughes, visibly disappointed after the result, expressed his belief that he had done enough to secure the win, stating, "I really thought I won that one. I should have pushed harder." As a fierce competitor, Hughes is already calling for a rematch to take place in Belfast, vowing not to leave anything to chance next time.

Fight Highlights

The bout commenced with a tactical start, characterized by mutual respect and a few accidental groin strikes in the opening round. As the fight progressed into the second round, Hughes showcased his kicking prowess, delivering a switch kick that caught Nurmagomedov off-guard while he was defending against multiple takedown attempts.

The action took a turn in round three when Nurmagomedov landed another groin shot, leading to a point deduction. Both fighters showcased their resilience, with the bout becoming increasingly intense as they traded blows and sought to gain the upper hand.

Round four saw Nurmagomedov’s striking and grappling skills shine as he executed a decisive takedown. By the fifth round, the fighters were engaged in a fierce exchange, with both feeling they could sway the decision in their favor.

Post-Fight Reflections

After the decision was announced, Hughes stated, "I know for a fact we're going to do it again someday and I know I will be the victor next time." His respect for Nurmagomedov is evident despite the disappointment of the defeat.

As Nurmagomedov continues his reign, Hughes's call for a rematch signals a promising continuation of their rivalry, potentially skirmishing for supremacy in the lightweight division once more.

Nurmagomedov's victory marks a pivotal moment as the Bellator lightweight title faces an uncertain future with the PFL's rebranding efforts. There is much to look forward to in this thrilling world of Mixed Martial Arts as these fighters continue to rise in the ranks.