UFC 311 was special for Team Khabib, but the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series is just as important for similar reasons. Usman Nurmagomedov, Umar’s younger brother, will defend his Bellator lightweight title against Paul Hughes.
The PFL bought Bellator in 2023, hoping to create a bigger platform with even more fighters. Ariel Helwani went on to talk about where the business is headed in 2025:
With the new PFL structure, Nurmagomedov will be one of the last Bellator champions to defend his belt and could be the face of the franchise moving forward. Hughes will have something to say about that, though. He’s been vocal about how overlooking him will be Nurmagomedov’s biggest mistake.
Can Paul Hughes Pull Off the Upset?
Hughes is 13-1 with most of his success coming in Cage Warriors. His only career loss was a split decision to Jordan Vucenic in 2020, but he made up for that loss by beating Vucenic for the Cage Warriors featherweight title. By beating AJ McKee Jr via split decision, Hughes entered the lightweight title picture.
Against Nurmagomedov, it comes down to how well-rounded he is in the cage. He has three submission wins earlier in his career, but Nurmagomedov is a different animal. Hughes has solid boxing, good counters, and proven power, but is that enough?
Usman Nurmagomedov is the next breed of Team Khabib
Khabib Nurmagomedov has done a fantastic job as head coach when he took over for his late father.
Despite Umar Nurmagomedov losing at UFC 311 against Merab Dvalishvili, he certainly looked the part and did a better job than most fighters in the same spot. Islam Makhachev made quick work of Renato Moicano by winning via submission in the first round. The team traveled from Los Angeles to Dubai this week to support the younger Nurmagomedov brother in his quest to defend the Bellator lightweight strap.
If you ask both brothers, they say the other one is better, but this fight looks like a good spot for the younger Nurmagomedov. Daniel Cormier, a long-time training partner for the Dagestanis at AKA, has said that Usman Nurmagomedov might be the best of the entire team. At just 26 years old, he’s hoping to make a name for himself outside the UFC and then join the ranks when Makhachev calls it quits.
What stands out the most with Usman is the striking game. He’s solid on the ground but of all the Dagestanis, he has the most dynamic combinations and footwork.
400
150% / 600€
Final Prediction
Unless Hughes can find game-changing success on the feet, Nurmagomedov should be able to control the distance with his kicking game. Nurmagomedov has a two-inch height and reach advantage which is perfect for his style.
Hughes has to get inside the kicking range to find his big shots. The problem there is Nurmagomedov could land takedowns, opening up the ground and pound or submission game. Both guys have never been finished, so it will take something special for either fighter to pull off the knockout on the feet.
Without any props released by the sportsbooks yet, Nurmagomedov to Win at 1.21 is still a good parlay piece with any other fight or sports bet you like this weekend. Once the props come out, take a look at the finishing price. Over five rounds, Nurmagomedov can finish the fight on the ground via strikes or submission if the opportunity arises.
Vadim Nemkov gets Tim Johnson at Heavyweight
In the only heavyweight fight of the night, Vadim Nemkov takes on Tim Johnson in the co-main event. Johnson is the third opponent for Nemkov after fights with Corey Anderson and Ante Delija were cancelled.
Nemkov made a name for himself with Bellator as the light heavyweight champion. He’s beat the best fighters they have to offer and now hits the heavyweight ranks.
Johnson is a longtime veteran of the sport. He packs plenty of power but it seems the durability is diminishing. His last two losses were first round ground and pounds, but he was on a three-fight win streak before losing in the PFL playoffs.
Unless Johnson can find big shots early, Nemkov will be able to use his wrestling to grind this out, and can even find a finish via strikes. If both guys are tired late in the fight, this could be anyone’s fight, but Nemkov gets the edge.
Outside of the two bigger fights on the card, the PFL is promoting several UK fighters along with local guys from Dubai. While the big names might not be there, fishing for new talent is a solid approach for a promotion looking for fresh blood.
The PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series takes place on Satuday, January 25 live from Dubai. Check your local listings for how to watch and showtimes.
Don’t forget about our partnership with ROYAL CASINOS. Here are the details if you want to take advantage of a sportsbook bonus ahead of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series:
- Promocode – LUCKYBETS
- Bonus amount – 20 EUR (equivalent in currency)
- Deposit amount – 20 EUR (equivalent in currency)
- Single or express bet from 2 events
- Min. odds of each event in the express bet: 1.4
- Max. odds of the express: bet 50
- Time to clear the bonus: 7 days
- Validity period: 14.01 – 14.02
To get your free bet, register at one of our Royal Casinos – GIZBO, 1GO, DRIP, JET, STARDA, MONRO, IZZI, LEX, IRWIN or LEGZO!
300
300% / €3000
