USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV maintained his bragging rights over Paul Hughes with another closely contested decision that was marred by controversial scoring.
In January, Nurmagomedov secured the Bellator lightweight title and a
Paul Hughes was left with a severe eye injury following his controversial defeat
Back at the same Coca-Cola Arena – this time with the title on the line after their acquisition of Bellator – the fight again went the full five rounds.
However, the scoring was questionable, with one judge scoring it 50-45 in favor of Nurmagomedov, while others scored it 49-46 and 48-47.
He stated, “OK, so you want to say this fight was very close too? I feel I won every round. But it was a very tough fight; he was a very tough opponent.”
“I don’t underestimate my opponent this time. I think you underestimated me. Maybe you made a mistake. But anyway, big respect to everyone.”
“I’m happy to see you again, and thank you so much for the fight, Paul. Huge respect.”
The two fighters wasted no time getting back to action after an intense first five minutes.
Hughes was struck with a low blow – for which Nurmagomedov was docked a point in their previous encounter – and it proved to be indicative of what was to come.
Nurmagomedov’s jab and late takedown provided him with a strong start in the first round, but Hughes quickly responded.
In the second round, Hughes got back on his feet after a takedown and began to apply pressure, landing knees and hooks.
The third round was closely contested, with Nurmagomedov landing sharp jabs and right hands, but Hughes retaliated with his own strikes.
In the fourth round, Hughes was left in pain on the canvas after another low blow went unpunished in favor of the champion.
The Dagestani grappler – cousin of the legendary Khabib – attempted several submissions but was unable to secure them, though his dominance was clear.
Hughes came out aggressively in the fifth and final round, pushing an exhausted Nurmagomedov into every corner of the cage.
However, as the final bell rang, the traveling challenger appeared to realize that a home decision was imminent.
With the one-sided score announced, Hughes had to accept second place once more – despite what seemed to be at least an equal effort.
Determined to express his gratitude to his fans, Hughes said while nursing a bruised right eye: “They were trying to cut me off there!
“I insisted on speaking to my fans who traveled all the way here. I want to thank everyone for coming to Dubai. The Irish fans are truly the best.”
“As I said, they were telling me I wouldn’t get a post-fight interview, but I have to thank you all for being here.”
“I will be back. Trust me, I will be back. And thank you to Usman and his team as well. Much respect.”
Khabib – who retired in 2020 as an undefeated UFC champion at 29-0 – had a notorious rivalry with Irishman Conor McGregor.
But he said to loud applause: “First of all, I want to thank Paul. Because of this guy, we pushed him so hard over the last eight months.
“You remember it was January here; it was not an easy fight. But we have demonstrated how much we have improved, and today we showed he has more years ahead of him.
“He’s only 26 or 27; in five years, he will reach his prime. Can you imagine?”
