Usman Nurmagomedov headlines PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series in a historic night of fights

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns with the highly anticipated Road to Dubai Champions Series, taking place on Saturday, January 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. Fans around the world can tune in live on DAZN in the UK and Ireland and MAX in the United States starting at 11 am ET / 4 pm GMT / 8 pm GST.

The event will showcase a stacked card featuring thrilling bouts across multiple weight classes, highlighted by Usman Nurmagomedov’s Bellator Lightweight World Championship defense against Ireland’s rising star Paul Hughes.

Main Event: Lightweight World Championship Bout

Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0), the reigning Bellator Lightweight World Champion, will put his perfect record and title on the line against Irish challenger Paul “Big News” Hughes (13-1). Both fighters successfully hit their marks during weigh-ins, with Nurmagomedov at 154.9 lbs. and Hughes at 155 lbs.

Co-Main Event: Heavyweight Clash

Former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov (18-2, 1NC) steps up to the Heavyweight division to face seasoned veteran Tim Johnson (18-10). The fighters hit the scales at 242.4 lbs. and 264.2 lbs., respectively, setting up a thrilling battle of power and skill.

Key Undercard Bouts to Watch

  • Featherweight Showdown: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2)
    Both fighters successfully weighed in at 145.7 lbs. and 145.6 lbs., promising an action-packed bout in this division.
  • Catchweight Clash: Undefeated Dagestani Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) faces Ireland’s Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1), who missed the weight limit and came in at 147 lbs.
  • Bantamweight Battle: Renat Khavalov (136 lbs.) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (135.9 lbs.)

Preliminary Card Highlights

The Preliminary Card is filled with rising talent:

  • Tarek Suleiman (194 lbs.) faces Ahmed Samy (199.6 lbs.) in a Catchweight bout.
  • Lightweight action features Mirafzal Akhtamov (156 lbs.) against Mike Thompson (155.4 lbs.).
  • Flyweights clash as Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (125.3 lbs.) takes on Ruel Panales (126 lbs.).

For fans of local talent, the Amateur Lightweight bout between Saeed Alhosani (154.1 lbs.) and Talal Alqallaf (155.7 lbs.) adds an exciting hometown flair to the event.

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