Dubai hosted an exceptional evening of combat sports on Saturday, as Coca-Cola Arena welcomed the highly anticipated PFL Road to Dubai event, featuring thrilling matchups with elite fighters from around the globe.
The main event showcased an intense battle between undefeated Dagestani champion Usman Nurmagomedov and the courageous Irishman Paul Hughes, competing for the Bellator lightweight title.
Nurmagomedov Strengthens His Legacy
Entering the fight with a perfect record, Nurmagomedov demonstrated his dominance in the lightweight division. Paul Hughes, despite his relentless effort, could not break the Dagestani’s winning streak. Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, cementing his status as one of the greatest champions in the sport.
Main Card Results
- Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (C) defeats Paul Hughes.
- Heavyweight: Tim Johnson faces Vadim Nemkov in an intense bout.
- Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov defeats Nathan Kelly via submission in Round 2.
Akhmed Magomedov snaps Kelly's win streak with the finish!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/xrGSH1Fcpq— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Akhmed Magomedov locks in the Dagestani handcuff and starts dropping clean shots!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/XlXUl4XJ1X— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
- Featherweight: Ibrahim Ibragimov outpoints Kenny Mokhonwana via unanimous decision (30-27).
Ibragim Ibragimov gets the W. The 20 year old improves to 9-0#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/rdB2g8kP6l— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
- Bantamweight: Rinat Khavalov overcomes Kleber Fernandez via unanimous decision.
Preliminary Card Results
- Heavyweight (199 lbs): Ahmed Sami defeats Tarek Suleiman via TKO in Round 1.
- Lightweight: Miravzal Akhtamov defeats Mike Thompson via submission in Round 2.
Mirafzal Akhtamov puts his opponent OUT!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/ysDW3LvTuJ— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
- Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al-Husseini beats Roel Banales via unanimous decision.
- Lightweight: John Mitchell defeats Souhail El-Tairi via unanimous decision.
- Middleweight: Haider Khan stops Mostafa Nada via TKO in Round 1.
Haider Khan BREAKS Nada's arm with a kick to get a the W!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
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🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/2lfEm7ATrr— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Event Impact and Key Highlights
This event was not just an ordinary fight night but a showcase of the growing prominence of combat sports in the region. Exceptional organization and enthusiastic fan engagement made it a memorable experience. The participation of star fighters from Dagestan and Ireland added a unique flair to the event.
What’s Next for Nurmagomedov?
Following his dominant victory, all eyes are on what’s next for the champion. Will he continue to defend his lightweight title, or seek new challenges in another division?
Join the Conversation:
Can anyone break Nurmagomedov’s reign soon, or will the Dagestani champion continue to make history in the world of mixed martial arts?
