The Professional Fighters League returns to Dubai on Jan 25 with a banger of a headliner as Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his belt against Paul Hughes.
PFL made the announcement on Wednesday.
Nurmagomedov (18-0) will bring his undefeated record to Dubai against the fast-rising Hughes fresh off his second title defense where he defeated Alexander Shabliy. He holds victories over Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull and Shabliy.
Hughes (13-1) will ride his 7-fight win streak into Dubai against the champion coming off a tough split decision victory over AJ McKee in October. The 27-year-old Hughes holds victories over McKee, Bobby King, Fabiano Silva and Morgan Charriere who is now in the UFC.
The victory over McKee proved to be the biggest of his career at the Battle Of The Giants PPV in October. Hughes gave McKee only the second loss of his career and launched himself into a title shot.
“The championship has always been in my plans, and now it’s coming to fruition in January when I face Usman. I respect what he brings to the table, and I am not discrediting him,” Hughes said in a statement released by PFL.
“But I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion.”
The event will be the first under the Dubai’s Champions Series under a new agreement between PFL and the Dubai Department Of Economy And Tourism, and Dubai Sports Council.
The PFL event in Dubai takes place on January 25 at Coca-Cola Arena.
