PFL Champions Series Dubai: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes: Main card results

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicked off its 2025 season in grand style with the Road to Dubai Champions Series at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). This highly anticipated event not only marked the start of the promotion’s year but also hosted several electrifying matchups, headlined by Usman Nurmagomedov defending his lightweight title against Paul Hughes.

Dubbed 'Dagestan vs. Ireland 2,' the evening delivered action-packed battles, showcasing elite fighters from both regions. The card featured prominent names such as Vadim Nemkov, Akhmed Magomedov, Nathan Kelly, and Kenny Mokhonoana, ensuring a night of unforgettable moments.

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Renat Khavalov vs. Cleiver Fernandes (bantamweight)

Renat Khavalov came in with an unbeaten 8-0 record, while Cleiver Fernandes, a seasoned Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, came in with a strong 9-1 record. The initial exchanges were prearranged, with Khavalov focusing on leg kicks and Fernandes looking for grappling opportunities.

Khavalov's striking began to take center stage in Round 2 as he threw a flurry of low kicks and knees that forced Fernandes against the cage. Fernandes attempted to counter with a kimura grip during a scramble, but Khavalov's defense was too quick.

Khavalov dominated the tempo going into round three with his crisp hooks and unrelenting knees in the clinch. Fernandes persisted, but he could not match Khavalov's aggression. The judges unanimously proclaimed Khavalov the victor.

Official Result: Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

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Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (featherweight)

In this clash of styles, Ibragim Ibragimov, known for his impeccable wrestling, squared off against Kenny Mokhonoana, a rising star with a striking-heavy approach.

Ibragimov demonstrated his wrestling prowess early in the first round by securing a takedown and retaining total control. Ibragimov kept Mokhonoana grounded while delivering ground-and-pound blows, despite his attempts to break free and create space.

The narrative stayed the same in Round 2, as Ibragimov maintained control of the bout with consistent takedowns. Ibragimov effortlessly transitioned out and persisted in enforcing his will despite Mokhonoana's attempt at a guillotine choke.

Mokhonoana attempted to change the course in Round 3 with powerful combinations, but Ibragimov's pressure was too much. He demonstrated his versatility with a spinning wheel kick before using more top control to win.

Official Result: Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

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Akhmed Magomedov vs. Nathan Kelly (featherweight)

After a two-year break, Akhmed Magomedov, made his cage comeback to take on Nathan Kelly of Ireland, who was riding an 11-fight winning streak.

Kelly got off to a strong start in Round 1 with powerful low kicks, but Magomedov swiftly took him out with a takedown. The bout devolved into a grappling clinic as Magomedov subdued Kelly and delivered elbows that cut.

Magomedov secured another takedown in Round 2, showcasing his brilliant ground game. Kelly had to tap out after he regained control and locked in a rear-naked choke.

Official Result: Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via second-round submission (rear-naked choke, 4:22).

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Co-main event: Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson (heavyweight)

Vadim Nemkov, a former Bellator light heavyweight champion, made his PFL debut in a co-main event matchup with veteran wrestler Tim Johnson.

Early in the first round, Nemkov showed off his amazing dominance by hitting Johnson with high kicks and combinations that left him bleeding. The fight ended in less than four minutes after Nemkov's smooth transition into grappling, where he secured a takedown and locked in a rear-naked choke.

Official Result: Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 3:08).

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Main event: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes (lightweight championship)

The main event of the evening featured the final Bellator title defense prior to its merger with PFL, with Usman Nurmagomedov taking on Paul Hughes.

Nurmagomedov kept Hughes on the defensive with a brilliant performance that combined grappling and striking. Hughes' performance was tainted by a point deduction for low blows, despite his impressive strikes in the later rounds that demonstrated his tenacity. Nurmagomedov prevailed by majority decision despite Hughes' best efforts, because of his superiority in grappling exchanges.

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