The Professional Fighters League (PFL) kicks off 2025 with the Road to Dubai Champions Series. This event features a thrilling main event title defense between undefeated reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov vs the formidable Paul Hughes. 


Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
  • Time: 11am ET / 4pm GMT / 8pm Local GST
  • Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates


FULL FIGHT CARD:

  1. Bellator Lightweight Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
  2. Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov (18-2, 1 NC) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10)
  3. Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1, 1 NC) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
  4. Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
  5. Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)
  6. Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (13-8, 1 NC) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
  7. Middleweight: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
  8. Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
  9. Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2, 1 NC)
  10. Lightweight: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
  11. Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)
  12. Amateur Lightweight: Saeed Alhosani (amateur 4-2) vs Talal Alqallaf (amateur 2-0)


How to Watch Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

  • Fans in the United States can catch all the action live on MAX
  • Fans in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Portugal, Switzerland, UK can watch live on DAZN

 

Fighter Profiles

Usman Nurmagomedov

  • Age: 26
  • Height: 5 ft 11 in 
  • Arm Reach: 72 in
  • Leg Reach: 42 in
  • Record: 18-0, 1 NC (8 KOs, 6 Subs)

Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator Lightweight World Champion from Dagestan, Russia, is set to defend his title against Paul Hughes in Dubai, marking the next chapter in the storied Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry. Training under the esteemed guidance of his cousin, former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, and coach Javier Mendez at the American Kickboxing Academy, Usman has an impeccable 18-0 record. His training partners include UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev and 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov. This fight is more than a title defense—it's an opportunity to honor the legacy of his late uncle Abdulmanap, whose teachings continue to shape the sport.

 

Paul Hughes

  • Age: 27
  • Height: 5 ft 9 in
  • Arm Reach: 70 in
  • Leg Reach: 41 in
  • Record: 13-1 (6 KOs, 3 Subs)

Paul "Big News" Hughes is one of MMA's rising stars, holding a 13-1 record with a seven-fight win streak and notable victories under both the Bellator and PFL banners. After defeating former Bellator Featherweight Champion AJ McKee, Hughes secured a title shot and positioned himself at the forefront of the Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry. The Irish standout sees this fight as more than a title opportunity—it's a chance to prove the strength of Irish MMA on the world stage.


Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson - A battle between Nemkov, a disciple of Fedor Emelianenko, and Johnson, a veteran stepping in on short notice, aiming for a career-defining upset.