Russian standout, Usman Nurmagomedov stays the undisputed Bellator MMA light-weight titleholder tonight following his headliner at PFL Street to Dubai in opposition to Irish challenger, Paul Hughes — surviving some large adversity to land a majority choice victory.
Nurmagomedov, who entered tonight’s grudge struggle with surging Derry striker, Hughes — had beforehand racked up a sequence of consecutive title protection wins over Benson Henderson, and Alexander Shabily previous to tonight’s pairing in Dubai.
And taking a victory within the opening spherical in a tightly-contested back-and-forth within the opening 5 minutes, Nurmagomedov can be deducted a degree within the third spherical after touchdown a 3rd unlawful groin strike on former Cage Warriors featherweight kingpin, Hughes.
Clashing heads within the fourth body which resulted in a stoppage within the motion for the cage-side doctor to evaluate each fighters, Hughes gave the impression to be in for a shock victory till the fifth — with a beforehand fatigued, Usman Nurmagomedov caught a second wind and managed to dictate the tempo of the ultimate body from the SmartCage fence.
And touchdown a majority choice (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) win, Nurmagomedov improved his unbeaten skilled document to 19-0(1) with the victory — handing Hughes his first skilled defeat following a shocking seven-fight profitable run.
Under, catch the highlights from Usman Nurmagomedov’s hard-fought win over Paul Hughes
