Paul Hughes v Usman Nurmagomedov: Can Hughes shock the world?

Michael Bolton

All eyes of the MMA world will be on Paul Hughes as he faces Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title in Dubai.

2024 was the year of Paul Hughes, as he layed down a marker at 155 pounds when he moved to the PFL.

If his Cage Warriors title win announced himself to fans in Ireland, his win over former Bellator champion AJ Mckee announced himself to the world.

Defeating a former champion on a card that included the return of Francis Ngannou, the Derry man only had one name on his mind, and that was Usman Nurmagomedov.

[caption id="attachment_1722213" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo: Sofascore.[/caption]

As Hughes found out, ask and you will receive, as the PFL wasted no time in arranging this bout. A confident Irish fighter facing a dominant Dagestan wrestler needs little build up,

A cousin of Khabib, Usman's wrestling is his strength, but has shown he has the striking to stand and box with the best in the sport.

Hughes is well rounded, and has shown he has the cardio for 25 minutes. If he can frustrate Nurmagomedov in the wrestling exchanges and drag the fight into the later rounds, it could be a famous night in Irish combat sport.

Saturday will also be significant, as it will be the final Bellator title, following the purchase of the cmpany by PFL.

It will a big card for Irish MMA, with Nathan Kelly taking on Akhmed Magomedov in the PFL's featherweight division.

Kelly is on a 11-fight win streak, and is unbeaten since joining the PFL. 2025 has the potential be a huge year for Kelly, who has nine of his 11 wins via finish.

Originally scheduled to face Khasan Magomedsharipov, a late change of opponent wil see hime take on Magomedov, who is 1-1 since joining Bellator, and 10-1 overall.

Also in the featherweight division, Kenny Mokhonoana will be hoping to bounce back when he faces Ibragim Ibragimov.

Mokhonoana suffered his first professional defeat in MMA to Josh O'Connor at Bellator 299, and will be aiming to remember why he is so exciting.

Capable of finishing anyone on the groud, he can pull out a submission from anywhere, and a fighter for Irish fans to keep an eye on.

The action gets underway at 4pm, ans Irish fans can watch via DAZN.