
Paul Hughes’ bid to claim the Bellator lightweight championship ended in heartbreak as Usman Nurmagomedov retained his title with a majority decision victory in a high-stakes showdown in Dubai.
Key Highlights
- Judges’ Decision: The fight was decided by the narrowest of margins, with the judges scoring it 47-47, 48-46, and 48-46 in Nurmagomedov’s favor, extending the Russian’s unbeaten streak to an impressive 19 fights.
- Hughes Falls Short: Despite delivering an outstanding performance and pushing the champion to his limits, Irishman Hughes fell to his second professional defeat. The 27-year-old showed resilience and skill, leaving the door open for a potential rematch.
- Nurmagomedov Praises Hughes: The champion admitted he underestimated Hughes, saying:”He is strong, brother, you’re really strong. I’m still undefeated, but he did very well in takedown defense and wrestling.”
- Hughes Calls for Rematch in Belfast: A visibly emotional Hughes expressed his disappointment but called for a rematch, saying:”I really thought I won that one. I should have pushed harder. We have to do the rematch in Belfast.”
Fight Breakdown

- Round 1: A cautious start saw both fighters respecting each other’s abilities. Accidental groin shots from both sides slowed the early exchanges.
- Round 2: Hughes showcased his striking prowess, landing a switch kick while defending Nurmagomedov’s repeated takedown attempts.
- Round 3: Momentum shifted after a groin strike from Nurmagomedov led to a point deduction, giving Hughes a potential edge on the scorecards.
- Round 4: Both fighters endured setbacks, with a clash of heads resulting in cuts to Hughes’ forehead and Nurmagomedov requiring medical attention.
- Round 5: Nurmagomedov dominated with leg kicks and a late takedown, but Hughes escaped and traded blows in a thrilling finale.
Post-Fight Reactions
- Hughes’ Response:”I’m heartbroken. I really thought I was going to win tonight. We settled our differences in here tonight, and there’s respect. We’ll fight again, and I know I’ll be the victor next time.”
- Nurmagomedov’s Thoughts:”This was a tough fight. I underestimated him, but I’m still undefeated, and I’m thankful for the victory.”
What’s Next?
For Hughes: His valiant effort solidifies his reputation as one of the division’s top contenders. With calls for a rematch in Belfast, the stage is set for another potential blockbuster clash.
For Nurmagomedov: The undefeated champion continues to cement his legacy and now looks forward to his next title defense, with opponents in the stacked lightweight division keeping an eye on his performances.


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