Current PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov shared his thoughts before a rematch against Irishman Paul Hughes at the prestigious "PFL Champions Series Road to Dubai" tournament in Dubai on October 3rd.
The skilled Russian fighter noted that the break did not affect his form:
"Can a break be the last mistake? No, I don't think so at all. During this time, I constantly performed preparatory exercises. Paul Hughes can't offer me anything new. He is only a sparring partner, and that's all. It won't cause me any serious trouble. But I'll be frank: it was a big mistake that I didn't show him enough respect in our first fight. This time, I fully respect him as an opponent and will not repeat that mistake," Nurmagomedov said.
It should be recalled that Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes first met in the octagon in January 2025. In that five-round fight, the Russian athlete won by judges' decision and successfully defended his belt.
The rematch in Dubai presents a unique challenge for both fighters. Nurmagomedov aims to prove his championship status once again, while Irishman Paul Hughes will try to avenge his first defeat.
Undoubtedly, this fight is expected to go down in history as one of the most prominent and brightest clashes of the year in the PFL.
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