As if January wasn’t Nurmagomedov enough, we now have another Nurmagomedov set to fight in a major title bout this weekend. Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his soon-to-be-defunct Bellator lightweight championship belt against hot up-and-comer Paul Hughes in what the PFL has branded Dagestan vs. Ireland 2.
The first Dagestan vs. Ireland was, of course, Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov, which took place at the peak of both men’s popularity. Hughes has a well-deserved hardcore fanbase in his home country and Usman is well-respected as the cousin of Khabib and little brother of Umar Nurmagomedov, who fought for the UFC bantamweight title (and lost) this past weekend at UFC 311.
They aren’t at even a fraction of the fame, but the talent is definitely there. This is going to be a great fight. U.S. fans can catch it Saturday, January 25 beginning at 10:30 am ET streaming on Max. European fans can see it on DAZN.
Usman Nurmagomedov weighed in at 154.9 pounds, while Paul Hughes weighed in at 155 pounds, making their lightweight championship bout official.
You can watch the full PFL Road To Dubai: Champions Series ceremonial weigh-ins and face-offs above, or check out some of the face-off highlights below.
The full PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series card:
Main Card:
Lightweight World Title Bout: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov (18-2) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)
Preliminary Card:
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
Flyweight Preliminary Bout: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
