Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator lightweight title against Paul Hughes in a thrilling majority decision victory in Dubai. The fight was a back-and-forth battle with both fighters showcasing their skills, but ultimately Nurmagomedov's wrestling and takedown defense proved too much for Hughes.
Paul Hughes ' dream of becoming the Bellator lightweight champion ended in heartbreaking defeat as Usman Nurmagomedov secured a thrilling majority decision victory in Dubai . Nurmagomedov retained his title and extended his dominant unbeaten streak to 19 fights, with the judges scoring the bout 47-47, 48-46, and 48-46 in his favor. For Hughes, the 27-year-old Irishman, the loss was a crushing blow after his impressive victory over AJ McKee in October.
Despite putting up a valiant effort and showing his skills, it was ultimately Nurmagomedov's night.Hughes, visibly dejected after the fight, acknowledged Nurmagomedov's strength and wrestling prowess, stating, 'Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, thank you so much. The wrestling, takedown defence he did very well. He is strong brother, you're really strong.' While expressing disappointment, Hughes remained determined and called for a rematch in Belfast, saying, 'We're gonna fight again, I really respect Usman, I probably left some in the tank but I won't next time. I really thought I was going to win tonight, I'm heartbroken. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast. I think I've earned this. All the guys in Dagestan, you will be welcome in Ireland.'Leading up to the fight, Hughes had vowed to take Nurmagomedov to the 'depths of hell' and knock out the champion in the second round. The bout was a highly technical and entertaining affair, with both fighters showing respect despite the intense rivalry. In the opening round, both landed accidental groin shots, setting the tone for a physical contest. Hughes landed a switch kick in the second round, causing problems for Nurmagomedov, who had his cousin and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner. However, the momentum shifted in the third round when an accidental groin shot from Nurmagomedov left Hughes in pain. A clash of heads in the fourth round resulted in both fighters being checked by the doctor, with Nurmagomedov receiving a cut and Hughes' forehead bleeding. The fight continued, with Nurmagomedov ending the fourth round strongly with a takedown and maintaining his dominance in the final round, landing several kicks to Hughes' thigh. Both fighters traded blows in a frenetic finish, leaving the outcome uncertain until the judges' decision. In the end, it was Nurmagomedov's name that was announced as the winner, marking another victory in his impressive career. Hughes, despite the loss, remained confident that a rematch would happen and that he would emerge victorious next time, stating, 'I know for a fact we're going to do it again someday and I know I will be the victor next time.
Usman Nurmagomedov Paul Hughes Bellator Lightweight Championship Dubai Majority Decision MMA
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