The MMA fanbase was sent into a frenzy on Friday night, with many followers of the sport taking issue with the scorecards from Paul Hughes’s rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov.
For the second time in 10 months, Nurmagomedov won a decision against Hughes to stay unbeaten and retain the PFL lightweight title in Dubai, and while the first fight was competitive, the rematch was even more-closely contested.
Yet Nurmagomedov, who was awarded a majority decision in the first fight in January, won 50-45, 49-46, 48-47 on Friday (3 October) – with many fans and journalists raging at the first two scorecards. The consensus was that the Russian, 27, and Northern Irishman, 28, had contested a close-enough fight for a 48-47 scorecard in either man’s favour. But the width of the first two cards sparked major controversy.
“50-45 is an abomination,” tweeted Canadian journalist Aaron Bronsteter, while his countryman and colleague Ariel Helwani wrote: “That was a super close and great fight. I accept 3-2 either way. The judge who had it 50-45 should never be allowed to judge MMA again [...] 50-45 (and 49-46) is absolutely insane. WOW.”
One Irish journalist, Peter Carroll, wrote: “50-45, 49-46 are criminal cards [...] And by the way, I don’t think this is a robbery. I had it for Paul by a round but I knew it was close. 50-45 ffs [for f***’s sake].” And British journalist Simon Head added: “I’d take 48-47 either way in that fight. 49-46 is a HUGE stretch. But 50-45? That’s disgraceful. That sort of scoring is damaging to credibility.”
The Independent scored the bout 48-47 in Nurmagomedov’s favour, yet a 48-47 win for Hughes was conceivable after a close fight, in which only the first round was clear – and belonged, surely, to Nurmagomedov. Re-live updates and see results from the Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 event, below.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live
- Usman Nurmagomedov outpoints Paul Hughes again to retain PFL lightweight title
- Dubai rematch felt even closer than first fight between rivals, in same city in January
- Fans and journalists rage at scores, as Nurmagomedov wins 50-45, 49-46, 48-47
- Russian, 27, stays unbeaten with second win over Northern Irish star, 28
Thank you for following!
23:59 , Alex PattleThat’s all from us tonight.
What a great fight. And what a shame about the scoring!
Full report: Fans rage at Nurmagomedov vs Usman 2 scores
23:45 , Alex Pattle
Fans rage at Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2 scores as Russian wins again
Paul Hughes refrains from addressing scoring after second loss to Usman Nurmagomedov
23:22 , Alex PattlePaul Hughes is filled with gratitude after a crazy night. #RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/n6YgzhTPup
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
Coach Khabib reacts to cousin Usman Nurmagomedov’s victory
23:15 , Alex PattleKhabib has always believed in Usman Nurmagomedov. What a night in Dubai!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/NsZ7PdGnkX
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
Official scorecards that sparked major controversy
23:10 , Alex PattleThe PFL has actually published a correction, because the first card added up to 50-44 with that 10-8 in round five!
That, it seems, was a typo.
Any more bits you want to amend, team? Aha...
Here are the #RoadToDubai scorecards for Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes pic.twitter.com/JN5RYryNs5
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) October 3, 2025
Nurmagomedov addresses scoring and victory
23:08 , Alex PattleUsman Nurmagomedov, joined by his father, looks back on what just happened here in Dubai! 🏆#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/YMv2uy2KQm
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
The moment the result was announced
23:00 , Alex PattleUSMAN NURMAGOMEDOV IS YOUR LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION BY UNANIMOUS DECISION!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/xjnlu1ELYY
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN!
22:57 , Alex PattleA respectful ending between Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes. WHAT A FIGHT!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/O1tgrHAglp
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN!
22:53 , Alex PattleFor what it’s worth, The Independent scored the fight 48-47 to Usman, but the same score for Hughes is also valid.
50-45 to Usman is inconceivable. 40-46 to Usman is also poor.
MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN!
22:38 , Alex PattleUsman: “I felt I won every round, but it was a very tough fight.
“I didn’t underestimate you this time; I think maybe you underestimated me?” he adds with a smile. Hughes smiles back and shakes his head.
“Thank you so much for the fight, Paul.”
Hughes: “I wanna thank everybody so much for travelling all the way to Dubai.
“They were telling me I wasn’t getting a post-fight interview, but I had to come over here to thank you.
“I will be back, trust me, I will be back. And thank you Usman and his team as well – so much respect.”
MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN!
22:34 , Alex PattleUsman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47)
Hughes knew from the moment he heard “50-45” that it was not going his way. But that particular score is FAR too wide, wow...
We had Usman winning, but narrowly, and MMA fans and journalists are going WILD about the scoring online right now...
That was a super close and great fight.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 3, 2025
I accept 3-2 either way.
The judge who had it 50-45 should never be allowed to judge MMA again.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round five
22:30 , Alex PattleBlood from the head clash drips down Usman’s cheek.
Nice jabbing from Usman, who looks to keep Hughes at bay. Now a takedown from the champ, who is clinging on to Hughes for dear life, with 30 seconds left.
It’s another close round, so could that be decisive?
Hughes gets free and stands, anyway! And the buzzer sounds.
There could be varied scorecards here. We could see anything from 3-2 to Usman to 3-2 to Hughes. Genuinely, only the first round was clear – and it was Usman’s.
Hughes looks annoyed at himself. Usman raises the challenger’s hand.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round five
22:28 , Alex PattleFinal round! Usman looks fresher than Hughes. It could be 3-1 in the Russian’s favour, or it could be 2-2...
Hughes presses forward, Usman kicks low. The champ accuses Hughes of leading with his head. Hook and jab land for Usman. Oh! A jab by Hughes drops Usman to a knee!
But Usman gets a high crotch and tries to dump down Hughes, who walks in a handstand to escape! A bizarre but fun fight, this.
The crowd is at a fever pitch now. Three minutes to go, which could decide the outcome...
Another good jab by Hughes, then a slapping hook from Usman. Hughes buries a hook into the ribs of the champion.
Two minutes left. “Hunt him down, Paul!” comes an Irish voice from outside the cage. Hughes with a knee at close range; Usman with a clean right cross upstairs.
Hughes lands, but again Usman complains of a clash of heads, and the ref pauses the action. That head clash cut Usman. Very similar to the first fight, this one has had a head clash AND multiple low blows.
One minute left on the clock, FYI.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round four
22:23 , Alex PattleInto the championship rounds, and Hughes immediately hits the canvas in a heap from a low blow by Usman!
Just as in the first fight, Usman has landed at least two so far. Again, though, Hughes seemed to dip into it, in Usman’s defence. Hughes is lying flat on his stomach by the fence. He has five minutes to recover.
Now he’s back up, and the round will resume.
Some hesitance from Hughes in a striking exchange, and Usman pounces with a trip – before rapidly taking the back. Hughes is against the cage wall, and he does well to get free!
Body kick by Hughes. Low kick by Usman. Another rear body lock from Usman, but again Hughes shakes him off! Good cross by Usman, though, in the stand-up.
Hughes’s eyes are showing swelling. He has Usman frozen in front of him, with the Russian’s back to the cage, but doesn’t act!
Lovely timing on a straight punch from Usman, who is southpaw for now. In his corner, UFC star Islam Makhachev and UFC legend Khabib are shouting instructions.
Another close round, to be fair. Some barking between the fighters after this one!
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round three
22:15 , Alex PattleThe rivals are talking to each other. Both land jabs simultaneously.
Hughes leaps in with a hook but doesn’t quite land clean. He just avoids a head kick. Usman is breathing through his mouth but still producing constant activity.
Good range management from Usman right now. Hughes can’t quite get past the end of the Russian’s shots.
Usman shoots, but Hughes sprawls to deny him. Overhand right from Hughes, then a jab! Low kick by Usman.
Usman dips into a hook then eats a front kick to the body. Hard low kick by the champ in response.
Oh! Fun exchanges here, with both men landing. “Ole” chants from the Irish in the building, but Usman times a takedown after a wild miss by Hughes.
The buzzer sounds on another close round, however. Usman’s, this time, I’d say... but it’s so tough to call.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round two
22:09 , Alex PattleFine jab by Hughes. And another. Usman has been southpaw for a while, but now he switches. He’s landing jabs of his own.
Hughes with a cross to the body. Usman leans back to evade a head kick. Hughes has the centre of the cage but isn’t letting his hands go much.
Usman with a knee to the body in the clinch, but Hughes lands a jab once they separate.
Hughes blocks a high kick. Again Usman rolls under a punch to land a body-lock takedown! He drags down Hughes, hauling him to the fence and the canvas.
Back elbow from Hughes, who has stood, as Usman looks to work from the back. Good defence by Hughes, and he’s free!
Big right hook by the challenger! Usman is trying to land knees, but as in the first fight, Hughes is using those moments to throw scores of hooks.
Piston jab by Hughes, then a knee to the body. Usman beckons him on! Usman with a jab of his own.
A much closer round, but probably Hughes’s.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round one
22:02 , Alex PattleHard low kick by Hughes, who almost dips his head into a knee afterwards... He complains of another low blow, but referee Keith Peterson insists that Hughes carries on!
Usman actually walked away for a few seconds, when he didn’t need to, giving Hughes a brief chance to recover!
Hughes presses forward and is nearly caught with a head kick. It seems the Russian is trying to time Hughes’s dips.
Now Usman with a well-timed takedown – a body lock after rolling under a punch! He immediately gets his hooks in and tries a rear naked choke!
Hughes stands, but still Usman hangs onto him, now using a body triangle... Hughes just needs to get to the buzzer...
And he’s able to slip free and stand with 20 seconds left in the round! He times a great knee, then a hook!
It’s Usman’s round, but it’s Hughes who laughs at the end of it... and Usman headbutts him! It’s not very hard, and Hughes is unsure whether to sell the effects or not...
What a bizarre but entertaining round.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round one
21:59 , Alex PattleLots of low kicks from Usman, from a southpaw stance and then orthodox. He’s switching back and forth.
Front kick by Hughes grazes the midriff of Usman, who continues to kick low. Hard southpaw jab now.
Usman hits the deck but only as he’s off balance, after missing with a flying knee. During the knee attempt, Hughes unloads body shots, as he did in the first fight.
Now it’s Hughes who slips to the canvas – but he’s right back up.
Pause in the action for a low blow on Hughes. Nurmagomedov was docked a point in the first fight, remember, for three of those.
But this time, Hughes ducked into it; not Usman’s fault.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Ring walks!
21:54 , Alex PattleNurmagomedov joins Hughes in the cage. The Russian champion will have most of the crowd support tonight.
Hughes looks dialed in. Nurmagomedov looks relaxed.
Fighter introductions under way now.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Ring walks!
21:43 , Alex PattleOkay! The ring walks for the main event are under away. Don’t go anywhere!
Nine months after Usman Nurmagomedov won a narrow decision over Paul Hughes to stay unbeaten and keep the PFL lightweight belt, they run it back.
Can the Russian do the double over the Northern Irishman? Or will the uber-confident Hughes exact revenge?
Let’s find out! Hughes is on his way to the cage...
Corey Anderson wins light-heavyweight title from Dovlet Yagshimuradov
21:40 , Alex PattleCorey Anderson def. Dovlet Yagshimuradov via unanimous decision (49-45, 48-47, 49-45)
And NEW! Anderson adds to his trophy cabinet, the former Bellator light-heavyweight champion claiming PFL gold!
He’s on his knees and in tears.
One of the best light-heavyweights in the world for years now.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:35 , Alex PattleRound five
Final round!
Anderson’s corner tells him that a takedown will win him this fight – if he can hold down Dovlet, of course.
The challenger clinches Dovlet and drives him to the cage wall, but Dovlet is able to get free... for a few seconds only! Anderson goes again, drags down Dovlet, and has three-and-a-half minutes to work.
Anderson keeps down Dovlet, moving into half-guard as the final minute arrives. Sharp elbow from above.
Dovlet’s title is slipping away from him!
He manages a sweep with five seconds to go and lands a few strikes, but it’s too little, too late...
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:28 , Alex PattleRound four
Into the championship rounds.
Anderson rolls a punch and lands a right hook. Now a jab. Hard counter cross from Dovlet! Back comes Anderson.
Anderson shoots for a double-leg against the fence. He eventually gets Dovlet down and rains elbows...
Now he throws punches from above, to the head then body – intermittently threatening a rear naked choke, too.
More elbows, as Dovlet tries to stay compact and cover up. Dovlet is able to recover half-guard, sat against the fence, with 30 seconds left in the round.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:22 , Alex PattleRound three
Into the third of five scheduled rounds. Anderson kicks to the body, it looks okay, but Dovlet grimaces and the referee pauses the fight.
The action is soon back under way, and the light-heavyweights stand and trade for a while, but without much of note landing.
Anderson backs up Dovlet, who throws two grazing right crosses. Anderson with a better right hand of his own. Elbow by Dovlet! And another!
Now a spinning back fist. Where’s he getting the energy from??
Corey Anderson and Dovlet Yagshimuradov refuse to give up. Who will take this one?#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/ylkkFTYKOX
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:15 , Alex PattleRound two
Anderson picks up where he left off, grappling Dovlet and keeping him trapped against the fence. He lands a nice elbow, too.
Dovlet gets free and, according to Anderson, lands another poke. The ref is uninterested this time.
As the striking exchanges progress, Dovlet takes deep breaths. Anderson eventually shoots for a takedown against the cage wall, but Dovlet stuffs it.
After they separate, Anderson stumbles from a short uppercut by Dovlet.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:09 , Alex PattleRound one
A two-minute break is over. Anderson is okay to continue.
But he soon complains of another poke, and we have another pause. This one is briefer, though.
Grazing right cross from Dovlet, and Anderson felt that! He’s backtracking but trying to pick counter shots... He tries a takedown to escape the situation, but Dovlet denies him.
Still, Anderson holds him against the fence now, using the moment to recover. They separate, but again Anderson shoots against the fence.
This time he succeeds! He holds Dovlet for the remainder of the round.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
21:04 , Alex PattleRound one
Both men stand orthodox. Both are light on their feet. Dovlet is looking for counter hooks early. He mixes in some uppercuts, too.
Now a rear uppercut and left hook land in succession – case and point. And another left hook; Anderson’s guard is looking a little weak.
The American complains of an eye poke, and the action is paused. The crowd isn’t happy, but a replay shows a thumb creeping into Anderson’s eye.
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends light-heavyweight title vs Corey Anderson
20:55 , Alex PattleCo-main event now!
Dovlet Yagshimuradov defends his light-heavyweight title against Corey Anderson, a former Bellator 205lb champ.
Anderson actually stopped Yagshimuradov in Bellator in 2021; can the American replicate that result tonight and win PFL gold against the Turkmenistan fighter?
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Sergio Pettis scores stunning KO of Magomed Magomedov
20:45 , Alex PattleSergio Pettis def. Magomed Magomedov via second-round KO (back elbow, 4:31)
Pettis, after watching a replay: “Ooo! That’s all I have to say.
“He was talking to me the whole fight, overconfident. I think it bit him in the butt.”
As expected, Pettis calls for a title shot next.
ANOTHER SPINNING ELBOW KO FOR SERGIO PETTIS 😱#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/AhNzNI5gj2
— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Sergio Pettis vs Magomed Magomedov
20:40 , Alex PattleRound two
Magomedov misses with a cartwheel kick then catches a body kick by Pettis, who can’t help but try a jumping, spinning back kick! It doesn’t land, and he drops to the canvas.
He turtles up as Magomedov throws a few selective punches. Now he takes the back; he has a body triangle with Pettis against the fence... and tries a rear naked choke...
Pettis defends diligently and eventually recovers guard, but he’s soon turtling up again. More punches from Magomedov, trying to break the shell.
Wonderful back elbow by Pettis, but Magomedov takes the back again – and once more seeks a rear naked choke. More tidy defence from Pettis, but he’s losing this round comfortably.
He eventually stands, however... OH, MY WORD! HE PUTS MAGOMEDOV OUT COLD, AT ONCE!
Magomedov jumped for a punch, oddly, and was countered by a back elbow. A perfect shot. One punch to the downed Magomedov, but it wasn’t needed; the Russian was already OUT.
Not Pettis’s first KO of that kind. An incredible comeback and JUST the moment this event needed.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Sergio Pettis vs Magomed Magomedov
20:34 , Alex PattleRound one
No time at all between these fights; the event is clipping along, in a sense, despite the general lack of finishes.
Great reception for Magomedov, who tries a couple of spinning strikes early. Spinning back fist blocked. He lands a spearing jab, though.
A couple of lands for Pettis, including a hook, before he tries a spinning back kick and barely misses. Magomedov sees a single-leg takedown denied.
Now he misses with a front kick, before Magomedov blitzes forward with a trio of short punches. Pettis lands a southpaw left after briefly switching stances. Cute trip by the American.
Pettis denies another single-leg, but Magomedov follows up with a grazing flying knee – then a hip throw! Pettis latches on with half-guard.
After a scramble, Magomedov knees a kneeling Pettis, but only to the body apparently, so it’s legal. Pettis stands and misses with a big kick, which sees him land back on the mat.
Archie Colgan outpoints Jay-Jay Wilson before Sergio Pettis vs Magomed Magomedov
20:24 , Alex PattleArchie Colgan def. Jay-Jay Wilson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
There it is! Colgan moves to 13-0 as a pro.
Next up, UFC alum and former Bellator champion Sergio Pettis faces Magomed Magomedov at bantamweight.
This one could be a title eliminator.
It’s worth saying: there has been just one finish from eight bouts so far tonight... We could do with something to get the juices properly flowing.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson
20:19 , Alex PattleRound three
Snapping jabs from Colgan, who parries most of Wilson’s own. No threat of a takedown yet in this round; Colgan is happy to trade on the feet for now.
Grazing cross from Colgan, who then eats a body kick. Now Colgan secures a takedown, with Wilson immediately trying an armbar in response!
Nothing doing, and he retains closed guard for the time being. Wilson tries a guillotine by the fence, but it seems like his corner tells him to stop and focus on getting up.
He rolls backwards after releasing his guard, and stands from there. But Colgan takes the back, before dumping Wilson to the mat and landing brutal elbows!
Thirty seconds left, can Wilson survive? He can! But the scorecards will not favour him.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson
20:13 , Alex PattleRound two
A very different round, this time! Colgan is dominant in the grappling, taking down Wilson but managing to hold him there for a long spell on this occasion.
Wilson stands as they enter the final 90 seconds of the round, though, and gets into the clear. He looks to get to work in the striking.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson
20:07 , Alex PattleRound one
Colgan gets ahold of Wilson almost immediately, forcing the southpaw to the fence and holding him there for a while.
Eventually Wilson is able to get free and move into space, and next time it’s him holding Colgan against the cage wall.
Again the fighters separate, and there’s soon a pause in the action after a low blow from Wilson.
Back under way, and Wilson lands a cleaner kick this time – to the head! But Colgan does well to shake it off and take down Wilson, who gets closed guard.
Wilson is able to get back to his feet late in the round, and he lands a nice left hook. Competitive opening frame.
Jack Cartwright outpoints Caolan Loughran before Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson
19:55 , Alex PattleJack Cartwright def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The right scorecard from every single judge! The Englishman outpoints his Northern Irish foe.
Next up, a lightweight bout: Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Caolan Loughran vs Jack Cartwright
19:49 , Alex PattleRound three
Final round. Loughran stalks forward then shoots for another double-leg. Cartwright is down, near the fence, but he’s straight to work on standing.
Loughran grinds him down, however, and moves into half-guard. He’s throwing intermittent elbows but also seems to be eyeing an arm-triangle choke...
Cartwright is able to get full guard, and – as in round two – he’s holding Loughran close against him, limiting the Northern Irishman’s movement.
Cartwright is also giving up the round at the moment, believing he has a 2-0 lead. Potentially risky.
We’ll go to the scorecards!
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Caolan Loughran vs Jack Cartwright
19:43 , Alex PattleRound two
Loughran shoots for a takedown, but Cartwright backs up his hips and is able to deny the Northern Irishman a clinch, too.
However, Loughran’s next shot results in a successful takedown! He’s in Cartwright’s guard by the fence.
Cartwright seems happy to just hold Loughran close against him, maybe in a bid to force the referee to stand them up.
And eventually, the official does! Before long, it’s Cartwright who shoots for a takedown, though Loughran scrambles well.
Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 live: Caolan Loughran vs Jack Cartwright
19:37 , Alex PattleRound one
Cartwright seems to get the better of the opening striking exchanges, before a halt in the action for an alleged eye poke by Loughran.
The replay suggests there was little there, and we’re soon back under way.
Sharp jabs and a swift counter hook by Cartwright. A double left hook now, and Loughran staggers!
Loughran presses forward, still, and eventually he lands a big right cross then lifts his hand in celebration. But, at the same time as his punch, he was tagged with another hook.
A fine opening round for Cartwright, who has bloodied Loughran’s nose.
Main card begins! Caolan Loughran vs Jack Cartwright
19:33 , Alex PattleThe prelims end with Pouya Rahmani knocking out Slim Trabelsi in round one of their heavyweight clash!
The main card follows now, and so do our round-by-round updates.
Northern Ireland’s Caolan Loughran takes on England’s Jack Cartwright to kick things off! This one’s at a 140lb catchweight.
Prelim results in full
Pouya Rahmani def. Slim Trabelsi via first-round TKO (strikes, 2:47)
Florim Zendeli def. Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Takeshi Izumi def. Vinicius Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Makkasharip Zaynukov def. John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
Jarrah Al-Selawe def. Gregory Babene via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
The story of UFC 320’s main event as Pereira seeks Ankalaev revenge
19:19 , Alex PattleAnd here’s the story of Pereira vs Ankalaev 2, ahead of tomorrow night’s UFC main event:
The uncomfortable truth behind Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev’s crucial rematch
Also this weekend: UFC 320 – all you need to know
19:12 , Alex PattleThe other big event in the MMA world this weekend is UFC 320, which takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The main event pits light-heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev against Alex Pereira, seven months after the Russian dethroned the Brazilian via decision.
And the co-main event sees Merab Dvalishvili defend his bantamweight belt against Cory Sandhagen.
Here’s all you need to know.
UFC 320: Pereira vs Ankalaev 2 start time, card and how to watch
Another prelim result in the books at PFL Dubai!
19:08 , Alex PattleFlorim Zendeli def. Omar El Dafrawy via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Zendeli survives a nasty cut, which spilled floods of blood, to retain his European welterweight title!
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Khabib arrives
19:05 , Alex PattleKhabib arrives at the arena in Dubai to support his cousin Usman at PFL #RoadToDubai pic.twitter.com/FVDNp5JNk9
— AlAudhli 𝕏 العوذلي (@alaudhli) October 3, 2025
INTERVIEW: Hughes and Usman on echoes of Khabib vs McGregor
18:59 , Alex PattleMore from Will Castle’s interview with Hughes this week:
So, the pride of Irish MMA will take on one of Dagestan’s many immovable objects. We’ve been here before; there is an obvious comparison to make with one of the biggest bouts in the sport’s history.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Conor McGregor, and the chaos that surrounded it, emerges from fans’ collective memory whenever fighters from these two nations square off. However, this is not a continuation of that rivalry. In fact, that narrative borderline infuriates Hughes and Usman.
“Don’t talk about this guy,” was Usman’s blunt response when I asked him if he saw parallels between his rivalry and the one that consumed his cousin seven years ago. It was unequivocal and admittedly fair. They are not fighting someone else’s battle; this is their own war. And in many ways, they are repairing the damage done in 2018.
Class has prevailed throughout the story written by Hughes and Usman – a far cry from the volatility between Khabib and McGregor. “ I think whenever you fight somebody, especially over five rounds, you garner a certain level of respect,” Hughes said. It’s a sentiment echoed by his opponent.
“I really respect him,” Usman added. “I respect his skills. He’s a good fighter – the first time, I underestimated him.” But the impact of their rivalry goes beyond the two fighters.
Paul Hughes on flying the MMA flag for Ireland against another Nurmagomedov
INTERVIEW: Hughes on carrying the torch for Irish MMA – against another Nurmagomedov
18:44 , Alex PattleHere’s an excerpt from Will Castle’s interview with Paul Hughes ahead of tonight’s main event:
Paul Hughes is staring down the barrel of a career culmination. “This is my life’s work. This is everything.” He is one half of the most anticipated rematch in MMA, squaring off against the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov with PFL lightweight gold on the line. Their first bout back in January, which went to Usman by the way of majority decision, was an instant fight of the year contender. On Friday night, Hughes is out to settle the score.
Hughes was left heartbroken by the scorecards when the pair first locked horns. “I feel like I definitely did enough to win, and I feel like I should have got my hand raised,” he told The Independent. He isn’t letting old wounds dominate his psyche, however. “At this point, I don’t give a flying f***. I get to fight him in a week.”
Usman admitted that he underestimated Hughes going into the first fight, saying, “That was almost a big mistake,” but keeping hold of his belt by the skin of his teeth – despite being deducted a point for an accidental headbutt. The cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is still oozing with confidence, stating that the Russian entering the cage in Dubai will be unrecognisable to the fighter that fought eight months ago.
“For this fight, I can only say one thing. He will have to be ready because I’m coming. This is not the same Usman who was in January. This is a different Usman.”
Full interview:
Paul Hughes on flying the MMA flag for Ireland against another Nurmagomedov
Another prelim result in the books at PFL Dubai!
18:36 , Alex PattleMirafzal Akhtamov def. Luann Sardinha via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Fight card in full
18:29 , Alex PattleSubject to change; ‘C’ denotes champion
Main card
Usman Nurmagomedov (C) vs Paul Hughes (lightweight title)
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (C) vs Corey Anderson (light-heavyweight title)
Magomed Magomedov vs Sergio Pettis (bantamweight)
Archie Colgan vs Jay-Jay Wilson (catchweight)
Jack Cartwright vs Caolan Loughran (catchweight)
Prelims
Pouya Rahmani vs Slim Trabelsi (heavyweight)
Omar El Dafrawy vs Florim Zendeli (welterweight)
Luann Sardinha vs Mirafzal Akhtamov (lightweight)
Takeshi Izumi def. Vinicius Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Makkasharip Zaynukov def. John Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-26, 29-28, 29-28)
Jarrah Al-Selawe def. Gregory Babene via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Main-event odds
18:14 , Alex PattlePaul Hughes – 5/4
Usman Nurmagomedov – 8/13
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Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Fight updates begin shortly!
18:11 , Alex PattleFinal prelim result in the books! Pouya Rahmani stops Slim Trabelsi in the first round of their heavyweight clash.
The main card is just a few minutes away, meaning our live fight updates will begin very shortly.
So, don’t go anywhere!
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: How to watch fights
17:59 , Alex PattleViewers can stream the fight live on DAZN, with the card available to watch for subscribers. Purchase a subscription to DAZN here, with plans starting at £14.99 a month.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Timings tonight
17:42 , Alex PattleHughes vs Nurmagomedov 2 takes place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The prelims began at 4:30pm BST (11:30am ET, 10:30am CT, 8:30am PT) with the main card set to follow at 7:30pm BST* (2:30pm ET, 1:30pm CT, 11:30am PT).
Main-event ring walks are expected at 9:30pm BST (4:30pm ET, 3:30pm CT, 1:30pm PT).
*The Independent’s round-by-round fight coverage will begin at this time.
Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live
17:36 , Alex PattleOne of the most-anticipated fights of the year takes place tonight, as Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov clash over the PFL lightweight title for the second time.
In January, Nurmagomedov – a cousin of UFC legend Khabib – retained the belt with a narrow decision win over Hughes, who immediately turned his attention to a rematch.
With Nurmagomedov out of action, Hughes opted to return to the cage in May and stopped Bruno Miranda in the first minute, on home soil in Belfast, no less. That set up the Northern Irishman, who also carries the Irish Tricolour flag, for a rematch with Nurmagomedov this weekend, as the rivals return to Dubai.
It was there that Russia’s Nurmagomedov, 27, won a majority decision against “Big News”, 28, despite being docked a point for repeated low blows. A clash of heads was another element to the drama of the thrilling clash, which has fans excited for tonight’s main event.
“ I think whenever you fight somebody, especially over five rounds, you garner a certain level of respect,” Hughes told The Independent this week, playing down the echoes of Khabib vs Conor McGregor. “I really respect him,” Usman added. “I respect his skills. He’s a good fighter – the first time, I underestimated him.”
Follow live updates and results from Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2, right here.
