DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Usman Nurmagomedov versus Paul Hughes delivered on all of the hype and anticipation surrounding the World Title Battle because it was introduced.
The primary occasion of PFL Street to Dubai Champions Collection noticed a 25-minute battle between the prides of Dagestan and Eire, with Nurmagomedov remaining unbeaten after receiving the nod from two of the three judges sitting exterior the SmartCage (47-47, 48-46, 48-46). After the bulk choice win, Nurmagomedov had nothing however respect for his opponent.
“That is for you guys, Paul Hughes, you’re the man, brother you’re robust, I underestimated this man,” Usman Nurmagomedov stated. “However I’m nonetheless undefeated, undisputed Bellator Light-weight Champion.”
After his unbelievable efficiency, Hughes made it clear he would love a rematch in Belfast, “It performed out how I anticipated, I’m so gutted and upset I misplaced. I assumed I gained the struggle, I most likely left some within the tank, I want to depart every thing behind subsequent time. I actually thought I used to be going to win,” Paul Hughes stated. “The PFL believed in me and I imagine within the PFL. We’ve got to do the rematch in Belfast, it needs to be in Belfast, I feel I’ve earned this.”
PFL Street to Dubai Champions Collection is the inaugural “Street to Dubai” occasion following the signing of a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Division of Economic system and Tourism (DET), Dubai Sports activities Council (DSC), and the Skilled Fighters League (PFL).
The primary-of-its-kind partnership will see MMA world champions and the game’s greatest stars from the PFL compete in title fights as Dubai turns into a marquee vacation spot for the perfect of MMA. All different Champions Collection occasions will now be co-branded as “Street to Dubai”, as every present culminates to the finale set within the new struggle capital. As a part of the PFL’s dedication to creating the game of MMA in Dubai, rising Emirati star fighters will now have a pathway to turn into future PFL Champions.
Within the Heavyweight co-main occasion of the night, former Bellator Mild Heavyweight World Champion Vadim Nemkov (19-2) made fast work of Tim Johnson (18-11), needing solely 3:08 to submit the Minnesota Nation Guardsman. Initially slated to face Corey Anderson in a rematch, Johnson took the bout on brief discover and introduced the struggle to Nemkov, however it was a rear-naked choke that marked the tip of the bout. With the victory, Nemkov hasn’t tasted defeat in his final 14 outings.
Dagestan’s Akhmed Magomedov (11-1) submitted Eire’s Nathan Kelly (11-3) through rear-naked choke at 4:22 of the second spherical in a Featherweight important card bout on Saturday. Magomedov shook off any rust rapidly, as he had not fought in virtually two years previous to this struggle. With the win, Dagestan moved to 2-0 in opposition to Eire with the primary occasion remaining.
England’s Ibragim Ibragimov improved to 9-0 after a unanimous choice victory (30-27 x3) in opposition to Kenny Mokhonoana (5-2). His third win now underneath the PFL banner, the Manchester Prime Workforce product continues to indicate that he’s not solely probably the greatest rising prospects on the European MMA scene, however globally as effectively.
The opening important card bout of PFL Street to Dubai Champions Collection featured Russia’s Renat Khavalov (9-0) in opposition to Brazil’s Cleiver Fernandes (9-2) at Bantamweight. With each Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov in his nook, Khavalov cruised to a unanimous (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) choice in his PFL debut, remaining undefeated to start out his profession.
Preliminary Card Outcomes:
Ahmed Samy (12-4) defeated Tarek Suleiman (13-9) through TKO at 5:00 of spherical one
Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-0-1) defeated Mike Thompson (7-3) through technical submission (head and arm choke) at 2:50 of spherical two
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (6-1-1) defeated Ruel Panales (5-3) through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27
John Mitchell (10-2) defeated Souhil Tairi (7-6-1) through unanimous choice (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Haider Khan (9-1) defeated Mostafa Nada (9-4) through TKO at 3:18 of spherical one
Talal Alqallaf (3-0 AM.) defeated Saeed Alhosani (4-3 AM.) through unanimous choice (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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