MMA Pros Slam Usman’s Win Over Hughes! – ‘Hughes Was Robbed’

January 26, 2025
3 weeks
MMA Pros Slam Usman’s Win Over Hughes! - 'Hughes Was Robbed'

MMA pros have reacted to Usman Nurmagomedov’s controversial victory over Paul Hughes in his lightweight defense at the PFL Dubai Road to Champions event. 

Nurmagomedov was the favorite, but was pushed to the limit as he secured a majority decision win. It was a pro-Nurmagomedov crowd, but Hughes was not overwhelmed by the 17,000 people. It was a cagey opening round, as the pair connected with some low blows in a round without much action. The second round came to life when Nurmagomedov went to the ground after getting tagged with a body kick. Nurmagomedov tried a takedown, but Hughes defended it well.

Usman’s striking was tipped to do some damage. He showed it, landing bit shots before the close of the second. However, Hughes was still in the fight. He continued to push the pace in the third round. Nurmagomedov was deducted a point in the third for another low blow, although he responded by keeping Hughes on the ground with takedowns. The fight entered into the championship rounds, with little to choose between them.

Hughes connected with a massive right hand to buzz Nurmagomedov. He also landed a kick down the middle. The pair clashed heads as the fight was stopped. Hughes was bleeding heavily, but it was Nurmagomedov who looked dazed. Nurmagomedov got Hughes on the ground again to stop that momentum in the fourth. But the Irishman held firm, only to come out second best in the scorecards: 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47. The result produced mass controversy. Hughes was understandably frustrated, while some MMA pros felt Hughes was robbed.

Reaction

“We all thought I won that one. I think the judges’ scorecards were pretty ridiculous. But I’ll watch it back with a clear mind. I’m just judging from the energy of the arena and everyone surrounding the cage that thought it was mine. I’m not going to make excuses, though. I should’ve pushed harder. And I will the next time. [And] I know we’ll fight again.

“I felt like the stoppage in the fourth round with the head clash, changed the momentum of the fight. I feel like I was breaking him. [And] I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming on and I would’ve emptied the tank, but that changed the flow and he got recovery. Which, look, the head butt was a head butt. It was accidental. He has all the right to take that recovery,” Hughes said 

Full Card

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via MD

Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) — 3:08, R1

Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) — 4:22, R2

Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Ahmed Sami def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (punches) — 5:00, R1

Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm-triangle choke) — 2:50, R2

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)

John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO (arm injury) — 3:18, R1

Talal Alqallaf def. Saeed Alhosani via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-27)

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