Usman Nurmagomedov scored a big win over Paul Hughes to win the PFL lightweight title in another thriller.
Nurmagomedov and Hughes headlined a stacked card from Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on Friday.
It was a rematch following their instant classic last January, where Nurmagomedov beat Hughes by majority decision to defend his Bellator lightweight title.
When the bell rang on Friday in Dubai, the Irishman started quickly and on the front foot, landing a knee. Nurmagomedov then asserted his dominance as he took his opponent's back, threatening a submission.
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In the second round, Nurmagomedov and Hughes exchanged strikes, with the Russian securing a takedown.
The unbeaten star continued to look for the takedowns, but Hughes showcased his takedown defence, stuffing takedowns - though he succumbed to a late takedown.
In the championship rounds, Nurmagomedov committed a foul, landing a low blow. After the start, he immediately took his rival's back before taking his back again in another sequence.
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Hughes appeared to drop Nurmagomedov in the final round as it played out on their feet, with Nurmagomedov suffering a nasty cut following a clash of heads.
Nurmagomedov took home a unanimous decision victory, with the judges scoring the championship showdown 50-45, 49-46 & 48-47 .
The Khabib Nurmagomedov student is still unbeaten, improving to 20-0 (1) - bagging the PFL lightweight in the process.
Speaking after his second victory over Hughes, he said: "Amazing feeling. In front of my father I win this belt, Iโm so happy. You want to say this fight was so close, too? I feel I was winning every round but it was a tough fight with a very tough opponent. Big respect for you, for your team guys. Big respect, brother."
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Hughes vowed: "I will be back. Trust me, I will be back. Thank you Usman and his team as well, so much respect."
What else happened at PFL Champions Series 3?
Corey Anderson fought Dovlet Yagshimuradov for the PFL light-heavyweight title in the co-main event in a repeat of their Bellator clash in 2021.
Anderson stopped Yagshimuradov in their World Grand Prix bout and the American once again claimed a victory over his rival to win the PFL light-heavyweight title.
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Anderson outpointed Yagshimuradov by unanimous decision.
Sergio Pettis delivered a knockout of the year contender to beat Magomed Magomedov in their bantamweight contest.
Pettis stopped Magomedov via spinning elbow in the closing stages of round two.
Magomedov was on course to winning the fight on the judges' scorecards until Pettis produced a knockout of the year contender.
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PFL lightweight contender Archie Colgan controlled Jay-Jay Wilson to score a unanimous decision victory and in doing so, kept his perfect professional record intact - improving it to 13-0.
A 140lbs bout between Caolan Loughran, who joined the PFL following his UFC departure, and ex-Cage Warriors champion Jack Cartwright opened the main-card.
And Cartwright, who took the fight on short notice, stunned Loughran with a shock win, securing a unanimous decision victory.
He outpointed the Irishman 29-28 on the judges' scorecards.
Topics:ย UFC
Nasir Jabbar