The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to kick off 2025 in spectacular fashion with the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series, its first event of the year. Scheduled for Saturday, January 25, the fight card will stream live in the United States on Max, starting at 10:30 AM EST.

Main Event: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes

The main event features an electrifying Lightweight World Title bout between undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) and Ireland’s Paul “Big News” Hughes (13-1). This matchup reignites the intense Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry, a storyline that has captivated MMA fans worldwide.

Co-Main Event: Nemkov vs. Johnson

In the co-main event, Vadim Nemkov (18-2), a former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, squares off against Tim Johnson (18-10), a former Minnesota National Guard sergeant, in a heavyweight clash expected to deliver fireworks.

The action takes place at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai’s vibrant City Walk, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a global hub for combat sports.

Full Fight Card

Main Card:

• Lightweight World Title Bout: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1)
• Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Vadim Nemkov (18-2) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10)
• Featherweight Bout: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
• Featherweight Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
• Bantamweight Bout: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)

Preliminary Card:

• Middleweight Bout: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
• Middleweight Bout: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
• Lightweight Bout: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
• Flyweight Bout: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2)
• Lightweight Bout: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
• Middleweight Bout: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)

Max and Dubai’s Role in MMA’s Future

The PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series marks the inaugural event under a groundbreaking multi-year partnership between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the Dubai Sports Council (DSC), and the PFL.

This collaboration aims to position Dubai as a marquee destination for MMA, with the series culminating in an annual finale in the city. Additionally, the partnership will pave the way for rising Emirati MMA stars to compete on the global stage and become future PFL champions.