The glittering Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai recently played host to a Professional Fighters League (PFL) lightweight championship rematch that delivered drama, intensity, and ultimately, a swirling vortex of controversy. Usman Nurmagomedov, flanked by the formidable presence of Khabib Nurmagomedov and UFC champion Islam Makhachev, once again faced off against the resilient Irishman Paul Hughes in a highly anticipated sequel. While the champion secured a decision victory, the scorecards have ignited a fervent debate, leaving many to question the very fabric of mixed martial arts judging.
The first encounter between these two gladiators had already cemented its place as a “fight of the year” contender. Expectations for the rematch were, understandably, sky-high. Hughes, arriving with a significant contingent of Irish supporters, seemed to relish the atmosphere, almost transforming Dubai into a temporary home stadium. Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, had publicly stated his belief that the rematch was an unnecessary detour, perhaps signaling a confidence that would soon be tested.
From the opening bell, the bout unfolded with captivating intensity. Nurmagomedov`s fiery entrance set a powerful tone, quickly followed by Hughes`s patriotic walk. Yet, the initial fireworks weren`t just exchanged fists. An illegal low blow from Nurmagomedov landed early on Hughes, an unfortunate start to a high-stakes contest. A second perceived low blow soon after was waved off by the referee, prompting Hughes to bravely fight on. Nurmagomedov capitalized, taking Hughes`s back, but the Irishman demonstrated admirable defense, ending the round on his feet. The round concluded with another contentious moment – a perceived “dirty” move from Nurmagomedov, met by a reaction from Hughes that some observers might have playfully likened to a theatrical dive on a football pitch, perhaps underscoring the severity of the alleged foul.
Round two saw Hughes finding his rhythm, landing his left hand effectively and deftly avoiding takedowns. Knowing the scoring tendencies, particularly from their previous bout and earlier fights on the card, the pressure was on Hughes to secure a definitive finish. The third round mirrored this competitive exchange, with both fighters trading significant strikes. Nurmagomedov struggled to secure takedowns, while Hughes seemed to visibly wobble the champion towards the round`s close, only for Nurmagomedov to secure a late takedown, once again taking Hughes`s back.
The fourth round continued the narrative of resilience for Hughes, who endured yet another low blow within seconds, opting to power through despite no point deduction. Nurmagomedov secured two takedowns, prompting some to ponder why he`d deviate from his apparent success on the feet. The final round was a spectacle of attrition. Hughes, visibly fatigued but fueled by sheer grit, sent Nurmagomedov to a knee with a powerful strike – a moment that, in a boxing ring, would undoubtedly have been scored a knockdown. Nurmagomedov responded with a largely ineffective takedown, then found himself retreating under Hughes`s desperate onslaught. A doctor`s check on a cut over Nurmagomedov`s eye in the dying seconds merely added to the high drama, but the fight ultimately went the distance.
The true storm, however, descended with the announcement of the scorecards. One judge, seemingly operating on an alternate dimension`s criteria, awarded an astonishing 50-45 to Nurmagomedov, effectively crediting Hughes with zero rounds. The other scores, 49-46 and 48-47, while closer, still sparked considerable debate given the visible exchanges and Hughes`s moments of clear success. This contentious outcome wasn`t entirely isolated, as the undercard had also featured peculiar judging. Paul Hughes`s fellow Irish fighters had suffered unanimous decision losses, including one particularly baffling 30-26 score against an Irishman in what was considered a tight contest.
Usman Nurmagomedov secured the victory, retaining his PFL lightweight title. Yet, the shadow of controversy looms large over this rematch. It wasn`t merely a win for the champion; it was a win that has ignited fresh discussions about the consistency and transparency of MMA judging, and the often-unpredictable path to victory when a fight goes the full distance. For Paul Hughes, it was a valiant effort that, in the eyes of many, deserved a far more favorable outcome on the official record. The Dubai desert may have witnessed a championship defense, but it also bore witness to a verdict that will undoubtedly be discussed, dissected, and debated for some time to come.
Gareth Pendleton