Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes prediction: Picking the winner for the PFL Champions Series Dubai title fight

The Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes prediction is here with strategic and tactical insight into this Saturday's card. Nurmagomedov and Hughes headline the PFL Champions Series 1 event, which will see the Dagestani star defend his Bellator lightweight title against the streaking Irishman.

Elsewhere on the card, multi-division phenom Vadim Nemkov faces the declining Timothy Johnson at heavyweight. No title will be on the line, but it is unlikely that Nemkov stays away from championship bouts for long. Plenty of other bouts are scheduled, but some have drawn more attention than others.

With all the matchups set, who then is expected to emerge victorious come Saturday?

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#1. Bellator lightweight title: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

The Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight serves as the latest chapter in the Dagestan vs. Ireland MMA rivalry. Nurmagomedov enters the bout as the defending Bellator lightweight champion and he should be favored to exit the cage with his reign still intact.

Nurmagomedov is extremely confident heading into the fight, and with good reason. He is 18-0 (1) and more well-rounded than Hughes. Nurmagomedov's kicking game is something to behold, as he often uses his kicks to keep his opponents frozen at range.

Those who enter boxing range quickly find themselves dealing with his wrestling, as he shoots under their punches for takedowns. While Hughes, who is 13-1 and on a seven-fight win streak, is powerful and recently defeated high-level grappler and ex-Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee, he is in over his head.

He'll be kept on edge by Nurmagomedov's takedowns and unable to commit to any power punches, as squaring his hips will expose him to takedownds. Meanwhile, due to having no fear of the takedown himself, Nurmagomedov will be able to quick without consequence.

While a knockout loss is always possible, Nurmagomedov is likely to win by decision, as he also boasts better five-round experience and will pace himself better.

The Prediction: Usman Nurmagomedov via decision

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#2. The rest of the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes predictions

Winners in bold.

Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov vs. Timothy Johnson

Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov vs. Nathan Kelly

Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Kenny Mokhonoana

Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov vs. Cleiver Fernandes

Middleweight: Ahmed Sami vs. Tarek Suleiman

Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov vs. Mike Thompson

Flyweight: Ruel Pañales vs. Hadi Al Hussaini

Lightweight: John Mitchell vs. Souhil Tahïri

Middleweight: Mostafa Rashed Nada vs. Haider Khan

Featherweight: Saeed AlHosani vs. Talal AlQallaf