After all the talk of stopping Paul Hughes inside the distance, Usman Nurmagomedov was made to dig deep and eke out a majority points decision to retain his Bellator lightweight world title and stretch his perfect record to 19-0 on Saturday.
The inaugural Road to Dubai Champions Series main event had the fans in the 12,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena on the edge of their seats throughout the five rounds as Nurmagomedov admitted he had never had it so tough inside the cage.
One judge had the score tied at 47-47 while the other two had it as 48-46 in favour of the Dagestani, even though Hughes felt he had done enough to have the decision go in his favour.
“Paul Hughes, brother, you are really the man. You are tough. Honestly, I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake,” a relieved Nurmagomedov said soon after the decision was announced.
That wasn’t the case when Nurmagomedov dismissed Hughes as a novice and said he would finish him within the distance in a pre-fight rant.
However, speaking after the fight, Nurmagomedov described Hughes’ wrestling and take down defence as remarkable, which made him realise his misjudgement.
“I didn’t think he was like this. You are really strong, brother. I have never suffered such damage in a fight like this before. I have a lot of pain in my body, honestly,” Nurmagomedov added.
Hughes felt he had done enough after pushing the champion to his limit and urged the promotion to call for a rematch in Belfast.
“It really did play out the way I expected. I'm so gutted and so disappointed, I really thought I won that one,” Hughes said.
“I should have pushed harder. Next time, I know we're going to fight again. There's no question, so much has been said. I thought I won tonight, but look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time.
“I really thought I was going to win. To see this arena packed out like this, for a PFL show...
“The PFL believed in me. And I believe in the PFL's journey, because look what we're doing. I just can't wait to see what's in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast.
“We've got to bring it back to Ireland. Back for a homecoming for me. I think I've earned this. And one thing I would say, all the guys from Dagestan coming over to Ireland, you will be welcomed with open arms as we have great respect for a small fighting nation like you guys.”
Hughes said he lost momentum at a key moment in the fight when an accidental clash of heads in round four led to a lengthy timeout.
Hughes suffered a cut on his forehead while Nurmagomedov was seemingly rocked. “I felt like the stoppage in the fourth round with the head clash, changed the momentum of the fight,” Hughes pointed out.
“I feel like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming on and I would’ve emptied the tank, but that changed the flow and he got that time to recover.”
Later in the post-fight media briefing, Nurmagomedov admitted he underestimated the Irishman but left the match-up with a completely different attitude.
“I’m human like everyone, every sportsman. I have some weaknesses. I have some strong ways, like strong sides. I’m not someone who cannot ever lose. But in my mind, I’m never going to lose,” he said.
“Five rounds, I was thinking only how to finish him. Every round, I was following the goal to go finish him. I think this is my biggest mistake. I think it was a good fight, for the fans.”
Nurmagomedov had his cousin and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner but revealed he trained alone for the fight back in Dagestan, without his team - Khabib, Islam Makhachev and his brother Umar - as they were away in the US for their engagements with the UFC.
As for what’s next, Nurmagomedov wasn’t specific. The suggestion of an immediate rematch, however, did not interest him.
“If Paul wants rematch he has to earn it,” he said. “He must fight a couple, three, four fights before a rematch. He had only two fights and they gave him a title shot.
“But Paul Hughes, I have all my respect to you. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 per cent has the chance to take this belt. Then, we can think of a rematch.”
Khabib thanks Irish fans for Palestine support
UFC legend Khabib asked for the microphone during the post-fight interviews in the cage as he wanted to address the large contingent of Irish fans inside the arena and thank them for their support of Palestine.
In May 2024, the Irish government announced that it recognised the state of Palestine in a coordinated statement along with the governments of Norway and Spain. Many high-profile Irish politicians have also been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, reflecting a wider sentiment held in the country.
To loud cheers, Khabib said: “Thank you everyone, I know this is not my time to talk but I just want to say one thing – don't forget, Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine, don't forget about this.
"So, we love you guys. You, your government, everybody. Here, inside the cage is only competition. MMA is all about respect. We love you guys because you support our brothers in Palestine. We love you guys, I just wanted to let you know."
Full card and results:
Lightweight PFL world title contest: Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes (Majority decision)
Heavyweight co-main contest: Vadim Nemkov def Tim Johnson (Submission rear naked choke)
Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov def Nathan Kelly (Submission rear naked choke)
Catchweight 147lbs: Ibragim Ibragimov def Kenny Mokhonoana (Unanimous decision)
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov def Cleiver Fernandes (Unanimous decision)
Catchweight 199lbs: Ahmed Samy def Tarek Suleiman (TKO)
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov def Mike Thompson (submission head high choke)
Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def Ruel Panales (Unanimous decision)
Lightweight: John Mitchell def Souhil Tairi (unanimous decision)
Middleweight: Haider Khan def Mostafa Nada (TKO)
