The PFL announced a multi-year partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Sports Council that will see major annual PFL events head to Dubai, with world title fights featured at the top of the card.
The first such event will take place on Saturday, January 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena, with reigning Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov set to put his 155-pound title, and his undefeated record, on the line against surging Irish star Paul “Big News” Hughes.
Russia’s Nurmagomedov has been one of the outstanding talents to compete under the Bellator banner in recent years. The 18-0 (1 no contest) lightweight captured the Bellator 155-pound title in November 2022 with a unanimous decision victory over Patricky Pitbull in the opening round of the Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix, then defended it through the tournament all the way to the de-facto final, where he defeated Alexander Shabliy at Bellator Champions Series 4 in San Diego.
Now he’s ready to face a fresh new challenge in the form of Ireland’s Hughes, who captured championship gold at featherweight in top European promotion Cage Warriors before moving up to lightweight and claiming back-to-back first round finishes.
He entered free agency this summer, and eventually signed for the PFL. His debut came at Bellator Champions Series 3 in Dublin in June, where he scored a second-round TKO of Bobby King. Then he faced, and defeated, former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee at the PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants event in Riyadh in October.
That victory proved what Hughes knew all along – that he was ready to mix it with the very best the PFL had to offer. And now, after calling for a shot at the 155-pound title, Hughes has been granted his wish and will challenge Nurmagomedov on a big night for the promotion in Dubai on January 25.
“The championship has always been in my plans, and now it’s coming to fruition in January when I face Usman,” said Hughes.
“I respect what he brings to the table and I am not discrediting him, but I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion.”
Nurmagomedov is also eager for the matchup, and is looking forward to headlining the promotion’s debut event in Dubai.
“I am always excited to challenge myself against the best athletes and I view Paul Hughes as a worthy opponent,” he said.
“I’m proud to be the first MMA main event in Dubai history.”
