In a tense lightweight title bout at the PFL Champions Series in Dubai on Friday night, Usman Nurmagomedov defended his crown against Paul Hughes, eking out a unanimous decision victory that has left fans and analysts seething. The rematch, held at the Coca-Cola Arena, unfolded amid a barrage of fouls and heated exchanges, but it was the lopsided 50-45 scorecard from one judge that truly ignited the controversy. Hughes, the gritty Northern Irish fighter, pressed forward relentlessly, landing sharp strikes and threatening submissions, yet the judges saw it differently.
Nurmagomedov, undefeated at 18-0 and carrying the weight of his famous cousin Khabib's legacy, controlled the grappling early on. However, the fight devolved into chaos with multiple eye pokes and low blows, including a particularly egregious incident in the second round that halted action for nearly two minutes. Indeed, Hughes appeared to gain momentum in the later frames, rocking Nurmagomedov with a flurry of punches that had the crowd roaring. Still, the Dagestani champion's takedown defense and clinch work seemed to sway the officials, though not without drawing sharp criticism online.
The 50-45 score, in particular, drew immediate outrage, with many calling it a blatant overreach that undervalued Hughes' aggression. Social media erupted post-fight, as clips of Hughes' near-finishes circulated widely, fueling debates about judging inconsistencies in the PFL. Nurmagomedov, stoic in victory, praised his opponent's toughness during the post-fight interview, but Hughes, visibly frustrated, hinted at potential appeals or a trilogy bout. Meanwhile, the undercard delivered its own highlights, including Corey Anderson's wrestling clinic to claim the light heavyweight belt against Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov.
Moreover, this clash underscores the PFL's growing pains as it challenges UFC dominance, blending high-stakes drama with occasional officiating missteps. However, for Hughes, who entered with a 12-2 record and dreams of avenging his prior loss, the defeat stings deeper amid the perceived injustice. As the lightweight division evolves, one can't help but wonder what path lies ahead for these two warriors locked in unfinished business.