Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2: PFL Champions Series 3 full results and highlights

The third PFL Champions Series : Road to Dubai happened on Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. With some of the most well-known people in MMA in attendance, fans were particularly enthusiastic for the lightweight rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. First fighting in January at the first PFL Champions Series, Nurmagomedov emerged victorious in a contentious majority decision. Fans were eager to know if Hughes could change the course this time. Cheering every strike, takedown, and submission attempt, the throng in Dubai was rowdy and dynamic; thus, the environment was electric.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes : Lightweight championship rematch

Gotta be nice having Khabib in your corner. Round 3 starts NOW!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/OrJBx9yUpx

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025

Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes presented fans a rapid and exciting battle. Early on, Nurmagomedov kept control by employing his grappling and striking to force Hughes to remain on defense.

Even while Hughes flung some ferocious strikes attempting to speed up the tempo, Nurmagomedov maintained his composure and cunning throughout.

Nurmagomedov had a definite edge going into the last round; the judges gave him the victory so that he could keep his lightweight title. Hughes received praise for his tenacious approach; Nurmagomedov's composure and approach drew followers' applause.


Other fights and highlights from PFL Champions Series 3

Makkasharip Zaynukov wins by unanimous decision!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/vO2mOrH7K3

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025

• Light Heavyweight Championship: Corey Anderson beat Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov with sharp striking and strong control to take the title.
  
• Bantamweight 1 Contender Fight: Magomed Magomedov and Sergio Pettis went head-to-head in a tight matchup.
  
• Lightweight Fights: Archie Colgan defeated Jay-Jay Wilson, while Takeshi Izumi beat Vinicius Cenci via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2).
  
• Catchweight (140 lbs) Fight: Jack Cartwright won against Caolan Loughran with steady attacks.
  
• Middleweight Fight: Jarrah Al-Silawi edged out Gregory Babene via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27).
  
• Welterweight Fight: Omar El Dafrawy faced Florim Zendeli in an exciting bout.
  
• Heavyweight Fight: Pouya Rahmani defeated Slim Trabelsi with strong moves.
  
• Lightweight Fights: Makkasharip Zaynukov beat John Mitchell (30-26, 29-28 x2), and Luann Sardinha won against Mirafzal Akhtamov with aggressive striking.
  

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Nonstop action spanning several weight divisions was offered to viewers by the PFL Champions Series 3. New hopefuls showed promise, champions kept their belts, and the Dubai audience enjoyed a night of thrilling matches. The event established many intriguing fights for the future and showed the PFL to have some of the most gifted MMA fighters.