How to watch & more details for Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes | Road to Dubai Champions Series

On By Littum

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicks off 2025 with the road to the Dubai Champions Series. This event features an exciting main event defense between undefeated reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov vs the formidable Paul Hughes.


Event details:

  • Date: Saturday 25 January 2025
  • Time: 11:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM GMT / 8:00 PM Local GST
  • Location: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates


Full match card:

  1. Bellator Lightweight Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
  2. Heavyweight co-main event: Vadim Nemkov (18-2, 1 NC) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10)
  3. Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1, 1 NC) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
  4. Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
  5. Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)
  6. Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (13-8, 1 NC) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
  7. Middleweight: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
  8. Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
  9. Aircraft Weight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2, 1 NC)
  10. Lightweight: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
  11. Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)
  12. Amateur Lightweight: Saeed Alhosani (Amateur 4-2) vs Talal Alqallaf (Amateur 2-0)


How to watch Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

  • Fans in the US can catch all the action live on Max
  • Fans in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Portugal, Switzerland, UK can watch live Dazn

Fighter profiles

Usman Nurmagomedov

  • Age: 26
  • Height: 5ft 11in
  • Arm reach: 72 inches
  • Leg range: 42 inches
  • Record: 18-0, 1 NC (8 kos, 6 subs)

Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator lightweight world champion from Dagestan, Russia, is set to defend his title against Paul Hughes in Dubai, marking the next chapter in the great Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry. Training under the acclaimed tutelage of his cousin, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and trainer Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy, Usman has an impeccable 18-0 record. His training partners include UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and 2024 PFL lightweight champion Gadzhi Rabadanov. This fight is more than a title defense – it’s an opportunity to honor the legacy of his late uncle Abdulmanap, whose teachings continue to shape the sport.

Paul Hughes

  • Age: 27
  • Height: 5ft 9in
  • Arm reach: 70 inches
  • Leg range: 41 inches
  • Record: 13-1 (6 kos, 3 subs)

Paul “Big News” Hughes is one of MMA’s Rising Stars, holding a 13-1 record with a seven-fight winning streak and notable wins under both the Bellator and PFL banners. After defeating former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee, Hughes secured a title shot and placed himself at the forefront of the Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry. The Irish standout sees this fight as more than a title opportunity – it’s a chance to prove the strength of Irish MMA on the world stage.


Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson – A fight between Nemkov, a disciple of Fedor Emelianenko, and Johnson, a veteran who steps in on short notice and aims for a career-defining upset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scuhjcoyhpo