Focus on Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes in Road to Dubai Champions Series

ND Prashant
24 Jan 2025
17:12

The bout between Dagestani fighter Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator lightweight World Champion who is unbeaten so far (18-0), and Ireland's Paul Hughes will be the top attraction of the Road to Dubai Champions Series, organised by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), at the Coco Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday (January 25).

THE BIG FIGHT. Usman Nurmagomedov Vs Paul Hughes
THE BIG FIGHT. Usman Nurmagomedov Vs Paul Hughes

The 26-year-old Nurmagomedov, who was born in the city of Kizilyurt, Republic of Dagestan in Russia, with two successful title defenses, has been challenged by the Irish fighter soon after beating A.J. McKee at the PFL’s Battle of the Giants event in Saudi Arabia in October.

With both the contestants exchanging a lot of words in the build-up to the fight, it has generated a lot of interest in the clash and therefore the spotlight will be on their clash.
Hughes is 13-1 so far in his career and is confident of his chances.  

Paul Hughes
This fight demands both physical strength and mental focus. I’m in the best shape of my career, which makes the timing of this bout perfect. I’ve travelled the world to get ready for this fight, training in Florida, returning to Belfast, and then arriving in Dubai two weeks ago to acclimatise to the conditions. My training plan has been meticulous, covering everything from sleep patterns to nutrition, while avoiding external distractions and focusing solely on the fight.

Though Hughes faces his toughest opponent in the unbeaten Bellator champion Usman, the Irish is relishing the opportunity.

Hughes added
He (Usman) is a fantastic fighter, he is going to get me down at some points in this fight I have no doubt, but you give me five rounds against anyone on this planet at 155lb, I win.

Hughes has not liked some of the comments made by Usman against Irish fighters but says he does not care what the Bellator champion thinks.

Hughes
Honestly, I really didn’t care that much. This is the fight business. This is the fight game so, I mean, he can say what he wants. That’s probably his actual feelings, I don’t really give a flying f*** what his thoughts and feelings are to be completely honest.

Usman Nurmagomedov, on the other hand, is keeping things to himself and is quite bullish about his chances.
At the pre-bout meet-up, Usman taunted Hughes by repeatedly telling him "We can do it here," and questioning his credentials to participate in the event. "Who are you exactly," he asked Hughes as the Irish fighter responded by claiming that the stage is ready for a new champion.

In the other fights on the card in the Road to Dubai Championship, Russian Vadim Nemkov will take on Tim Johnston of the United States in the heavyweight category, Akhmed Magomedov will clash with Ireland's Nathan Kelly in featherweight, Ibragim Ibragimov taking on Kenny Mokhonoana of Ireland in featherweight and Renat Khavalov of Russia in Bantamweight clash with Cleiver Fernandes of Brazil.

Full fight 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. Flyweight: 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)


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