PFL Champions Series Dubai: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes: Live round-by-round updates

PFL Champions Series Dubai kicks off its 2025 campaign with a lightweight title headliner between Usman Nurmagomedov (c) and Paul Hughes later tonight (Jan. 25) at Coca-Cola Arena.

The event will mark the end of the Bellator brand after its acquisition by the PFL last year.

Coming from the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov's camp, Usman (18-0 and 1 NC) has been a dominant force in the Bellator ranks for long. This time however the Dagestani will have extra motivation to take home the win.

For one, his older brother Umar suffered his first career loss, to UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili last week. Since team Khabib rarely suffers setbacks, the loss has weighed down on them heavily.

Secondly, Hughes' Irish lineage has led to the fight being hailed as Ireland vs. Dagestan 2, a rivalry originally rooted in the legendary feud between Conor McGregor and 'The Eagle'.

Hughes (13-1) is currently on a seven-fight win streak and most recently beat former champion AJ McKee via split decision. Adding to his fighting pedigree is the fact that he is a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion.

Nurmagomedov will enter the fight as a -450 favorite over his rival (+300 underdog). The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Watch the headliners trade words ahead of PFL Champions Series Dubai below:

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PFL Champions Series Dubai: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

Round 1

Nurmagomedov starts the action with a leg kick. Hughes seems to be taking it slow, trying to get a read on his opponent. The Dagestani is flicking high kicks, in an attempt to gauge the distance.

Nurmagomedov constantly switches his stance from orthodox to southpaw, keeping his opponent guessing. The Ireland native misses with jabs. 'Big News' is yet to connect anything of consequence.

A low blow from Nurmagomedov pauses the action momentarily. As the fight restarts, Hughes connects with a lead left hook. Wow!!! Paul catches an advancing Nurmagomedov with a left hook, putting him off balance.

Another low blow, this time from Hughes pauses the action. Nurmagomedov connects with a right hand as the fight restarts. 'Big News' seems to be wary of his opponent's takedown threat and is trying to fight on the outside.

Our score: 10-9 Hughes.

Round 2

As the second round unfolds, Hughes connects with a jab and Nurmagomedov hits back with a sidekick. A switch kick from the Irishman unbalances the Russian. Nurmagomedov tries for a level change but Paul defends it.

Hughes defends another takedown but gets hit with an uppercut on the break. Nurmagomeov forces his opponent to the canvas but gets hit with an elbow as the pair separates. Another level change attempt by the Russian is halted by a barrage of body punches from Hughes.

Nurmagomedov connects with a crisp straight punch. He is connecting debilitating shots in the clinch. The 26-year-old unloads a crips combo on his opponent.

Our score: 10-9 Nurmagomedov.

Round 3

Hughes's lead leg seems to be toast from his opponent's leg kicks. The Irishman's mobility seems to be getting more and more compromised. A superfast level change by Nurmagomedov surprisingly finds no effect on his opponent.

The referee calls a low blow by Nurmagomedov, but Paul insists on getting right back to fighting. Unfortunately, a subsequent low kick sends Hughes crashing down to the ground in pain.

This time referee takes a point from Nurmagomedov. The Russian explodes for a takedown. This time he gets it. Hughes gets back up, but the powerful champion slams him back to his back. As the fighter makes his way back to his feet once again, the champion lands two powerful elbows.

Hughes misses with a knee and Nurmagomedov leaps to land one of his own. A debilitating left hook land for Hughes at the end of the round.

Our score: 9-9 even.

Round 4

As we get into the championship rounds Hughes is showing incredible conditioning, showing no signs of slowing down. Nurmagomedov is using quick jabs to keep his opponent at bay.

Hughes is on the front foot with 'Big News' trying to back up his opponent into a corner. A good uppercut lands for Hughes. He follows it up with a right hand.

The tides seem to be turning in favor of Hughes as the champion is continually failing to impose his wrestling. A clash of heads forces the champion to take a knee. The challenger showboats by licking his own blood.

The doctor comes in to check on Nurmagomedov. As the fight restarts Hughes connects with a left hook, but the champion quickly changes levels and puts his opponent on the mat.

The champion is landing the occasional elbow but is largely unable to do any damage to his opponent.

Our score: 10-9 Hughes

Round 5

As the final round unfolds Hughes lands a quick jab and the champion answers with a low kick. Hughes misses with a 1-2 combo and Nurmagomedov takes his opponent's back.

The champion lands knee strikes to his opponent's back, then stops Hughes' efforts to get up with a knee to the head. Hughes reverses position and connects with a knee to his opponent on the break.

With just a minute left, it's anyone's fight. An overhand right from the clinch land for Hughes. The champion lands a powerful knee to the head. A right hand followed by body punches lands for Hughes.

As Nurmagomedov rallies for a last-second takedown, the Irishman reverses and takes his opponent's back before landing debilitating body shots to close off the fight in style.

Our score: 10-9 Hughes.

Stay tuned for the official decision.

Official decision: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision. (47-47,48-46,48-46)

Check the PFL Champions Series Dubai's headliner results below: