Usman Nurmagomedov squeaks by Paul Hughes to retain title

Usman Nurmagomedov squeaked out a razor-thin resolution over Paul Hughes on Saturday in Dubai — and there is a good likelihood he’ll see the Irishman once more in 2025.

Nurmagomedov (19-0) defended his light-weight Bellator MMA championship through majority resolution in an early candidate for Struggle of the 12 months. Two judges scored the five-round contest 48-46 for Nurmagomedov, whereas a 3rd scored it a 47-47 draw. The 155-pound title battle marks the tip of Bellator MMA, as it is going to now formally merge with its mum or dad firm, PFL.

Nurmagomedov and Hughes placed on a present to conclude the Bellator MMA banner, which debuted in 2008. Hughes (113-2) compelled Nurmagomedov, who’s the youthful cousin of retired legend Khabib, to dig deep within the remaining spherical to maintain his excellent file. It’s going to go down as the most effective fights in Bellator historical past, and sure produce a rematch within the PFL Smartcage.

“You’re the man,” Nurmagomedov stated to Hughes. “Brother, you are powerful. Actually, I underestimated this man. However I am nonetheless undefeated and I am nonetheless the undisputed Bellator light-weight champion.”

Hughes, 27, credited Nurmagomedov for an incredible battle however believed he did sufficient for the win. He referred to as for a right away rematch in Belfast, the place he now trains. It might flip right into a long-term rivalry, contemplating Nurmagomedov is 26.

Nurmagomedov, who had Khabib, UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev and coach Javier Mendez in his nook, bought off to a clear begin within the opening spherical, however the assured title challenger did not take lengthy to reply. He began to punish Nurmagomedov to the physique within the second spherical and showcased elite takedown protection.

A back-and-forth third spherical was extremely impactful to the judges’ scores. Nurmagomedov was docked some extent for repeated low blows and an unintended head conflict threatened to finish the battle. However each lightweights continued. Hughes received the fourth spherical earlier than Nurmagomedov delivered a champion’s effort within the fifth to say the win.

The PFL has not introduced whether or not Bellator champions will retain their titles within the roster merger or compete for vacant PFL belts. Hughes proved his mettle in October with a slight upset win over former featherweight champion AJ McKee. Though he misplaced Saturday, his inventory will probably rise larger than it did after that victory.