Among the most called-for rematches in MMA is finally on!
One of the best fights of 2025 to date went down at one of the year’s very first events, as Usman Nurmagomedov put his Bellator lightweight title on the line for the final time against rising Northern Irish star Paul Hughes.
The pair went to war for five rounds in Dubai, with Nurmagomedov beating Hughes by way of a majority decision that divided opinion. With plenty scoring the fight in favor of ‘Big News’, it did not take long for calls of a rematch to emerge.
And the highly anticipated second installment now has a date…
- LATEST PFL NEWS: Fans in awe as PFL fighter ‘factory resets’ opponent with rarely seen move in KO of the Year contender
Paul Hughes gets his chance for revenge against Usman Nurmagomedov in PFL title fight
After narrowly losing out on becoming the first to defeat Usman, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, Hughes called for a rematch to take place in his backyard of Northern Ireland.
That has not come to fruition, and the 28-year-old will have to settle for another likely hostile reception when he meets the now-former Bellator champ in Dubai again, this time in the very first PFL lightweight title fight.
After Khabib leaked Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2 during a public appearance, the PFL officially confirmed it for October 3. The rematch will headline a PFL Champions Series card topped by a championship double header, as Corey Anderson and Dovlet Yagshimuradov collide for the promotion’s new light heavyweight belt in the co-main event.
The card is also set to include the grudge match between Artem Lobov, an ex-teammate of Conor McGregor’s, and the Nurmagomedov-trained Zubaira Tukhugov.
“PFL Champions Series on October 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” PFL CEO John Martin said in a press release announcing the event.
“To have two PFL world titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different. This is more than just a fight card, it’s a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform.
“Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport’s true capitals, and there’s no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history,” Martin added.
Hughes viciously knocked out Bruno Miranda in 42 seconds on home soil this past May to stake his claim for another title shot. He once again called Nurmagomedov out in the aftermath.
Although an odd social media post from the PFL and the Dagestani’s own apparent reluctance cast doubt over the rematch, ‘Big News’ now officially has his shot at revenge on the calendar.
- LATEST PFL NEWS: Francis Ngannou’s relationship with the PFL appears damaged after recent action upset the founder
Fans thankful PFL heeded their calls for Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes 2
Fans were quick to react to news of the PFL’s latest major card and confirmation that one matchup universally demanded by the MMA fanbase will happen.
Among the positive reactions was plenty of praise for the organization for booking the fight that just about everyone wants to see.
“Finally the PFL making the fight we all wanna see! This card should be really good.”
“First was the best fight in PFL’s short history. Second is probably the most intriguing fight they can make right now. Got it absolutely right despite allusions to other potential options.”
“Thank God.”
“Happy the PFL decided to get out of their own way. Archie Colgan is good, but this is the biggest and best fight they can put on right now!”
“Got my wish.”
“The rematch is finally happening.”
“Inject it.”
“Biggest fight PFL can make. Fair play to them for getting this over the line.”