
On Friday, January 25, all fighters hit the scales for the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, set to transpire the following day at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE.
The card, while featuring a Bellator MMA championship bout between unbeaten lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov and hot Irish prospect Paul Hughes, actually marks the death of the promotion. After struggling with the brand since acquiring it just over a year ago, the PFL has dropped the Bellator name entirely, with no more events planned. That, after putting on only five of eight promised Bellator events in 2024, and having recently granted the release of one of the company’s biggest stars, Patricio Pitbull.
Perhaps a fresh start for the Champions Series (Bellator was briefly rebranded as Bellator Champions Series, which is now the PFL Champions Series) is what’s needed. Certainly, regardless of what brand the fight is under, Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes is a key fight. Two of the best lightweights on the planet, both with tons of star potential, meeting relatively early in their careers. And, capitalizing on the Russia versus Ireland narrative sparked by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor years ago, the PFL has built the card around it, with a handful of match-ups featuring fighters from the two nations.
Two fighters missed weight on Friday, leading to a couple of catchweight bouts. The main event, however, is set to move forward as planned. Results from Friday’s weigh-ins are below.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai Weigh-In Results
Main Card
Lightweight: Usman Nurmagomedov (c) (154.9) vs. Paul Hughes (155) – For the Bellator MMA lightweight championship
Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov (242.4) vs. Tim Johnson (264.2)
Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov (145.7) vs. Nathan Kelly (145.6)
Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (146) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (147)*
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (136) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (135.9)
Preliminary Card
Catchweight: Tarek Suleiman (194) vs. Ahmed Samy (199.6)**
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov (156) vs. Mike Thompson (155.4)
Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (125.3) vs. Ruel Panales (126)
Lightweight: John Mitchell (155.2) vs. Souhil Tairi (155.8)
Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (184.6) vs. Haider Khan (185.5)
Lightweight: Saeed Alhosani (154.1) vs. Talal Alqallaf (155.7) – Amateur bout
Middleweight: Jarrah Al-Selawe (185.2) – Back-up fighter
* Mokhonoana missed weight by one pound, his fight with Ibragim Ibragimov proceeds at a 147lb catchweight
** Ahmed Samy missed weight, bout proceeds at a catchweight