"The Nurmagomedovs are not fighters" - Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and others react as Usman Nurmagomedov narrowly beats Paul Hughes at PFL Dubai

Usman Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator lightweight championship in a thrilling bout against Paul Hughes at PFL Dubai. The closely contested fight pitted Nurmagomedov’s dynamic striking and revered grappling skills against Hughes' resilience. The Irishman pushed the champion to his limits in a grueling five-round affair.

The bout featured frequent exchanges, groin strikes, and a one-point deduction for Nurmagomedov in the third round. Nurmagomedov's strategy was based on his kick-based attacks, clinch work, and takedowns. He kept Hughes on edge, while the challenger responded with sharp combinations and solid body shots.

In the final round, Nurmagomedov leaned on control and grappling, while Hughes pushed forward, hunting for a finish. The judges awarded Nurmagomedov a majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46), and the Dagestani improved his professional MMA record to 19-0 (1 NC).

Reactions from the MMA world were swift and polarizing. Conor McGregor reignited his feud with the Nurmagomedov family on X, writing:

"Tremendous fight and performance! Easy win for Hughes, he DOMINATED THAT FIGHT. And Umar exactly what it says on the tin, a Nurmagamedov. Runner, sprinter, bolter, scarper, scurrying “fighter”. The Nurmagomedovs are not fighters. They are the most non fighting fighters out of Dagestan and all time. Run away around the cage and shoot ass bitches.Dagestan is better than the Nurmagomedovs and that is a FACT!"

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling praised both fighters, writing:

"Just watched the Nurmagomedov-Hughes scrap. What a high level fight from both men! Hughes was very impressive against Usman and showed he can compete with the best. Usman showed off his championship experience giving us a classic!"

Jake Paul commended Hughes for putting on a gritty performance while also taking a dig at McGregor:

"Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do. Congrats my guy. You won regardless of the outcome. Big ups to both men."

Check out some of the reactions below:

Fighters react to the thrilling Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes clash. [Screenshots courtesy: X]