Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes – Bellator lightweight title fight – BBC.com

Usman Nurmagomedov narrowly beats Paul Hughes on points in thrilling contestOne judge scores fight a draw, two others see it 48-46 for Russian NurmagomedovNurmagomedov retains Bellator lightweight title and stays undefeated in 19 fights’Heartbroken’ Hughes accepts defeat, but feels he won the fightIreland’s Hughes calls for rematch in Belfast after suffering just second defeat of MMA careerPaul BattisonThat brings our coverage of tonight PFL card in Dubai to a close.Paul Hughes failed in his quest to to become the first Irishman to win a Bellator title, but he pushed Usman Nurmagomedov all the way in a captivating contest.The defeat brings Hughes’ record to 13 wins and two defeats, while Russia’s Nurmagomedov extends his undefeated streak to 19.Make sure to check out the report from the fight right here.Allow Twitter content?This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.Nurmagomedov beats Hughes by majority decisionIt was nice to see the fighters pay respect to Ireland and Dagestan afterwards following the rivalry between the two camps in the build-up to the fight.There’s got to be a rematch after a bout that good, hasn’t there?Nurmagomedov beats Hughes by majority decisionHere’s Paul Hughes speaking after defeat by Usman Nurmagomedov.”It played out how I expected. I’m so disappointed, I really
thought I won that one. I should have pushed harder. We’re gonna fight again, I really
respect Usman, I probably left some in the tank but I won’t next time.””I really
thought I was going to win tonight, I’m heartbroken. We have to do the rematch
in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast. I think I’ve earned this. All the guys in Dagestan, you will be welcome in Ireland.”Nurmagomedov beats Hughes by majority decisionUsman Nurmagomedov is speaking following his majority decision win over Paul Hughes.”Paul Hughes you’re the man brother, you’re tough.””I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake but I’m still undefeated. Bellator lightweight
champion Usman Nurmagomedov, thank you so much.”“The wrestling, takedown defence he did very well. He is strong brother, you’re really strong. “You told me underestimating you was my mistake,
you’re right. I’ve never taken this damage that I’ve taken with him.”I had a lot of
pain in my body. I jumped to the next level because of him. Thank you Paul I really
respect you brother.”Nurmagomedov v HughesUsman Nurmagomedov retains his Bellator lightweight title with a majority decision. One judge scored it a draw while the other two scored it 48-46 in the Russian’s favour.Paul Hughes has his head in his hands.Nurmagomedov v HughesThe pair embrace after the fight in a great show of respect.Here come the official scorecards…Nurmagomedov v HughesPaul Hughes does brilliantly to reverse the position and get the fight back to the feet.The pair trade blows before Hughes attacks the body with 30 seconds to go.Usman Nurmagomedov lands a takedown but it’s reversed yet again by Hughes, who ends the fight on the attack.What a fight. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it go either way.Nurmagomedov v HughesPaul Hughes lands a nice jab at the start of the final round while Usman Nurmagomedov responds with a leg kick.Hughes overextends with a straight right and Nurmagomedov takes advantage, whipping round his body to get back control.The Russian is landing a number of knees to Hughes’ thigh, who is crouched against the cage.Nurmagomedov v HughesThere’s a roar from the crowd as Usman Nurmagomedov lands a takedown and he remains in control on top until the end of the round.Into the fifth and final round we go.What a fight.Nurmagomedov v HughesWhile Usman Nurmagomedov is being seen by the doctor Paul Hughes is stood with a big grin while blood pours down his face.The crowd are loving this.Thankfully Nurmagomedov can continue and we’re back under way.Nurmagomedov v HughesI think this is the fourth delay of the fight as we have an accidental clash of heads.Paul Hughes has been cut on the forehead but it’s Usman Nurmagomedov who needs some time out with the Russian looking pretty shaken.Nurmagomedov v HughesIt’s a great fight so far and pretty difficult to score to be honest. I wonder how key that point deduction to Usman Nurmagomedov could end up being?The first half of the fourth round see both fighters trade kicks from distance.Nurmagomedov v HughesWe’re back under way and here’s the wrestling which the Nurmagomedovs are known for as Usman lands a couple of takedowns and elbows as he breaks from the clinch.The noise levels in the crowd are rising in Dubai.Nurmagomedov attacks with his knee at the end of the round, prompting a wry smile from Hughes, who responds with another shot to the body which jolts the Russian.Nurmagomedov v HughesUsman Nurmagomedov lands a straight right and goes for a single leg takedown but Paul Hughes defends it well.Nurmagomedov then lands another accidental groin shot and this is a bad one – Hughes is flat out on the canvas in agony.The Russian receives a point deduction for his error.Nurmagomedov v HughesPaul Hughes lands a knee to Usman Nurmagomedov’s body and some damaging leg kicks.Khabib is getting animated at cageside which tells you Hughes has done some good work this round.The Irishman ends the round on the offensive as he attacks the body once more.Nurmagomedov v HughesEvery time Usman Nurmagomedov lands a kick someone from his team – I think it’s coach Javier Mendez – shouts “there you go”.A switch kick from Paul Hughes catches Nurmagomedov off balance before the fight sees its first grappling exchange.Hughes does well to stay on his feet before digging some shots in to Nurmagomedov’s body.Nurmagomedov v HughesWe’ve got a short delay after an accidental groin shot by Usman Nurmagomedov before Paul Hughes lands a quick punch combo.Hughes then delivers an accidental groin shot of his own and we have another delay.Hughes lands an eye-catching left hook before Nurmagomedov closes out the round with more kicks from distance.A pretty tentative opening five minutes from both fighters.Nurmagomedov v HughesUsman Nurmagomedov of course has the wrestling background which is synonymous with Dagestani fighters, but he’s equally as adept with his feet.The Russian has started the fight by attacking Paul Hughes’ legs and maintaining distance.Nurmagomedov v HughesThe introductions are over, the fighters have touched gloves and we’re all set to go.Ding ding.© 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/mixed-martial-arts/live/cge7qx3jj94t