A heated rivalry undergoes its second act in Dubai when Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes compete for the PFL lightweight title. This highly anticipated rematch is set to light up the Coca-Cola Arena on October 3, drawing lots of attention from MMA fans around the world eager to witness another classic encounter in the making.
Where to watch PFL Dubai
For fans keen on catching all the action live, the event will be available on DAZN worldwide. DAZN offers several subscription plans to fit different viewing needs: a monthly subscription costs £9.99 on a 12-month contract or £19.99 for a month-to-month option. For those looking for long-term access, an annual subscription is priced at £99.99. This makes it convenient and affordable for viewers to watch both the preliminaries and the main card from wherever they are.
PFL Dubai start time
The event is scheduled for Friday, October 3, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. The main card kicks off at 4:30 p.m. BST, with the main event featuring Nurmagomedov and Hughes expected around 8:30 p.m. BST. Timing for their fight may vary slightly depending on the duration of the undercard bouts, but fans can anticipate an evening of intense, high-stakes competition.
The fighters: Nurmagomedov and Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov comes into this bout undefeated with a record of 19-0 and one no-contest, marking him as one of the top young talents in mixed martial arts. He previously competed in Bellator, where he claimed the lightweight title in 2022. His career record was blemished only by a no-contest caused by an accidental ingestion of a prescription drug containing an illegal substance, which has done little to diminish his reputation as a fierce competitor.
Paul Hughes, on the other hand, is no newcomer to the spotlight. At just 28 years old, Hughes is a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion who earned this rematch by impressing fans and critics alike with his victory over former world champion A. J. McKee. With a professional record of 14-2, Hughes is eager to prove he belongs at the top tier of the lightweight division.
The rematch storyline
Their first meeting in January was a thrilling battle that ended with Nurmagomedov taking a majority decision win, a result that sparked some controversy and debate. Both fighters have since evolved and prepared for this second encounter with renewed focus and intensity.
Hughes shared his mindset ahead of the fight, telling The Sporting News, “You’ll see a more aggressive, confident version of me this time. I’ve had a taste now — I know I belong at the very top, and I’m coming to take what’s mine.”
Nurmagomedov responded in kind via Cageside Press, saying, “This is not the same Usman who was [fighting] in January. This is a different Usman. And I know he’s going to be different too. That’s why I think this is one of the best fights of this year. It’s going to be one of the best fights of this year, me and Paul Hughes.”
The full PFL Dubai fight card
The main card is stacked with compelling matchups, headlined by the PFL lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. Also featured are:
– Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov for the PFL light heavyweight title
– Magomed Magomedov vs. Sergio Pettis; Lightweights
– Archie Colgan vs. Jay-Jay Wilson; Lightweights
– Jack Cartwright vs. Caolan Loughran; Catchweight
The prelims include a diverse range of fighters and weight classes, promising plenty of action leading up to the main card. Some highlight matchups include:
– Pouya Rahmani vs. Slim Trabelsi; Heavyweights
– Omar El Dafrawy vs. Florim Zendeli; Welterweights
– Luann Sardinha vs. Mirafzal Akhtamov; Lightweights
– Takeshi Izumi vs. Vinicius Sacchelli Cenci; Lightweights
– Makkasharip Zaynukov vs. John Mitchell; Lightweights
– Jarrah Al-Silawi vs. Gregory Babene; Middleweights
Fans gearing up for PFL Dubai can expect a high-energy event filled with technical skill, heart, and dramatic fights that exemplify the very best of mixed martial arts competition. This rematch between Nurmagomedov and Hughes has all the elements of an epic showdown, and with the title on the line, stakes couldn’t be higher.
