Paul Hughes gets his rematch, faces Usman Nurmagomedov on October 3

Paul Hughes warned PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov that he could run, but he couldn’t hide, and now the pursuit will come to an end in Dubai on October 3.

Hughes will challenge Nurmagomedov for the second time when the PFL SmartCage returns to Dubai for its latest PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series event.

Nurmagomedov edged the first bout between the pair back in January, as he claimed the victory and retained his title via majority decision. That fight saw Hughes push the Russian champion harder than any opponent he’s faced before in his unbeaten MMA career.

Immediately after the fight, Hughes called for a rematch in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but Nurmagomedov later distanced himself from a possible return bout with the former Cage Warriors featherweight champion.

Instead, Hughes went on to face Bruno Miranda in Belfast, and blasted him out of the SmartCage in just 42 seconds before roaring his challenge to Nurmagomedov once again.

Now the pair will meet again, and will return to the Coca-Cola Arena for one of the most eagerly-anticipated rematches of the year.

The PFL light heavyweight title will be on the line in the co-main event, as former Bellator 205-pound champion Corey Anderson takes on 2024 PFL light heavyweight tournament champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov for the vacant title.

Also on the card in Dubai, former wrestling standouts will go head to head as former Iranian national team competitor Pouya Rahmani takes on former Tunisian Olympian Slim Trabelsi in a battle of undefeated heavyweights.

And a grudge match almost seven years in the making will finally be settled inside the cage as Zubaira Tukhugov takes on the returning Artem Lobov.

Additionally, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omal El Dafrawy will tae on 2024 PFL Europe welterweight champion Florim Zendeli in a battle between two PFL regional champions.

“PFL Champions Series on October 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” said PFL CEO John Martin.

“To have two PFL World Titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different. This is more than just a fight card, it’s a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform.

“Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport’s true capitals, and there’s no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history.”