Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (DUBAI)
The popular fighters from Dagestan, Russia, impressed at the Professional Fighters League card as part of the promotion's inaugural Race to Dubai Champions Series, which kicked off at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night.
The headline clash between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes for the Bellator lightweight world title clash barely went in the favour of the former, but the other results involving Dagestani-origin fighters also had a happy ending. And Nurmagomedov was quick to admit that he made heavy work of his fight against a man many thought would be a cakewalk.
Hughes was making only his second fight appearance in the promotion, after beating American AJ McKee in the PFL Super Fights series "Battle of the Giants" card in Riyadh in October. In contrast, Nurmagomedov went into the fight undefeated in 18 bouts and holding the title for more than 800 days, the third-longest reign. Yet, the scorecards of three judges read 47-47, 48-46 and 48-46, such was the close nature of the contest.
"Honestly, I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake," said a relieved Nurmagomedov later, after having to dig deep and rely on his vice-like grip to catch up on points in the five-round contest of five minutes each. Both were still trying to catch a breath nearly half an hour after the final gong, despite that there was a hold-up in the fourth round when Hughes suffered a deep cut on his forehand while at the same time managed to poke his rival in the eye.
"I didn't think he was like this. I have never suffered such damage in a fight like this before. I have a lot of pain in my body, honestly," Nurmagomedov said with an ice pack strapped on to his left calf area. But the Russian also admitted that he had difficulty training alone in Dagestan while his compatriots and famous mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov pitched camp for a month in advance in Dubai. Adding their names on the winning side of the scoresheet were Akhmed Magomedov, Vadim Nemkov, Renat Khavalov and even Ibragim Ibragimov, the latter representing England's flag on his sleeve, though.
While Hughes was understandably disappointed, the nature of the close contest prompted him to ask for a rematch – in Belfast – while still thanking the crowd for their generous support.
"It really did play out the way I expected. I'm so gutted and so disappointed, I really thought I won that one," Hughes said. "I should have pushed harder. Next time, I know we're going to fight again. There's no question, so much has been said. I thought I won tonight, but look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything out next time.
"To see this arena packed out like this... the PFL believed in me. And I believe in the PFL's journey, because look what we're doing. I just can't wait to see what's in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast. I think I've earned this. [Speaking to the audience] you all will be welcomed with open arms as we have great respect for a small fighting nation like you guys."
Hughes put the fourth-round stoppage as a vital turning point. "It changed the momentum of the fight," he said. "I feel like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming on and I would've emptied the tank, but that changed the flow and he got that time to recover."
It required a calm head from Khabib and his advise before the final round saw Usman find the missing gear to power through. "I'm human like everyone, every sportsman. I have some weaknesses. I have some strong ways, like strong sides. I'm not someone who can never lose. But in my mind, I'm never going to lose," Usman said. "Five rounds, I was thinking only how to finish him. Every round, I was following the goal to go finish him. I think this is my biggest mistake. I think it was a good fight, for the fans."
