Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes: Irishman Hughes falls short in lightweight title bout
2025-01-26
Category: sports

Paul Hughes' bid to become Bellator lightweight champion fell agonisingly short as Usman Nurmagomedov claimed a thrilling majority decision win in Dubai. Nurmagomedov retained the belt and extended his unbeaten streak to 19 fights after the judges scored the fight 47-47, 48-46, 48-46 in his favour. It is a devastating result for Irishman Hughes, who had hoped to take his career to the next level after an impressive win over AJ McKee in October. And while the 27-year-old did his reputation no harm in what was his second defeat, it was ultimately Nurmagomedov's night."I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake but I'm still undefeated," said Nurmagomedov. "Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, thank you so much. The wrestling, takedown defence he did very well. He is strong brother, you're really strong."A visibly crestfallen Hughes said he was "so gutted" after a fight which "played out how I expected", while calling for a rematch in Belfast. "I really thought I won that one. I should have pushed harder," he said. "We're gonna fight again, I really respect Usman, I probably left some in the tank but I won't next time."I really thought I was going to win tonight, I'm heartbroken. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast. I think I've earned this. All the guys in Dagestan, you will be welcome in Ireland."
Before the headline fight, Hughes said he was ready to take Nurmagomedov to the "depths of hell" and vowed to knock the champion out in the second round. And while the bout ultimately did not pan out that way, a smiling Hughes caused huge problems for his unbeaten opponent in a highly technical and entertaining main event at Coco-Cola Arena. Having intensified their rivalry in the build-up, the fighters showed each other respect during a cagey and technical opening round in which they both landed accidental groin shots.In round two, Hughes caught Nurmagomedov - who had his cousin and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner - with a switch kick while the Irishman defended the champion's repeated takedown attempts impressively.The fight's momentum stalled in the third round when Nurmagomedov caught Hughes with another accidental groin shot which left Hughes in considerable pain on the canvas and handed the Russian a point deduction. In the fourth round, a clash of heads resulted in Nurmagomedov being checked by the doctor and a cut to Hughes' forehead. Deemed fit to continue, Nurmagomedov ended the fourth strongly with a takedown  and remained on top in the final round by landing several kicks to Hughes' thigh. After Hughes escaped, the pair traded blows in a frenetic conclusion, with both fighters appearing confident they had done enough to secure victory at the end. But Hughes dropped his head into his hands when Nurmagomedov's name was called out, marking the latest win in the Russian's impressive career."We settled our differences in here tonight. There's a lot of respect," added Hughes. "I know for a fact we're going to do it again someday and I know I will be the victor next time."