Khabib Nurmagomedov might need a brand new scholar in his health club. Following a grueling five-round championship battle with Usman Nurmagomedov within the PFL, Paul Hughes expressed gratitude for a gesture of respect from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who invited the Irish fighter to go to Dagestan.
Paul Hughes Responds to Khabib Nurmagomedov
The legendary former UFC light-weight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, prolonged the invitation on social media, stating: “Thank you for the fight, @paulhughesmma, and for the experience. I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want. Believe me, you will like it, and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations.”
Paul Hughes is thought for his humility and respect for his opponents. He responded graciously, saying: “Thank you, @TeamKhabib. I have great respect for you, your team, and your nation. I would be honored to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favor in Ireland. But please, only after I get to rematch Usman.”
Thankyou @TeamKhabib I’ve nice respect for you, your workforce and your nation. I might be honoured to take you up on this provide sometime after which return the favour in Eire
However please, solely after I get to rematch Usman. https://t.co/kvKpB1IQP0
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 26, 2025
The change follows their extremely anticipated championship conflict on January 25, 2025, in Dubai, the place Usman Nurmagomedov retained the Light-weight Title within the PFL with a majority determination victory. The battle marked the ultimate protection of a Bellator title earlier than the group’s integration into the PFL.
2025 PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence: at Coca-Cola Enviornment in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)
The bout was a technical and intense contest, with Paul Hughes showcasing sharp hanging and stable takedown protection towards the undefeated Dagestani champion. Nurmagomedov’s superior grappling and composure below stress in the end secured his victory, extending his report to a powerful 19-0. Judges scored the battle 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47 in favor of Nurmagomedov.
2025 PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence: at Coca-Cola Enviornment in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)
The battle featured a number of dramatic moments, together with level deductions for unintentional groin strikes and a head conflict that left Hughes bloodied. Regardless of falling brief, Hughes earned widespread reward for his efficiency and instantly referred to as for a rematch in his residence of Northern Eire.
2025 PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence: at Coca-Cola Enviornment in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)
The mutual respect between the Nurmagomedov household and Hughes highlights the sportsmanship that continues to be on the coronary heart of MMA. Whereas Hughes’ main focus stays on incomes a rematch with Usman, the prospect of visiting Dagestan provides one other layer of intrigue to this rivalry. This has been thought-about an extension of the Eire vs. Dagestan epic conflict that started with the unforgettable rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
2025 PFL Highway to Dubai Champions Sequence: at Coca-Cola Enviornment in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)
