Bellator lightweight rematch set for 3 October as Nurmagomedov faces Hughes
Bellator will host a lightweight title rematch between undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes in Dubai on 3 October.
A Bellator lightweight world title rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes is confirmed for 3 October in Dubai.
The co-main event of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai will also feature Corey Anderson defending his PFL light heavyweight title against Dovlet Yagshimuradov.
In their first encounter in January, Nurmagomedov (27) edged Hughes by majority decision in a thrilling but disputed contest. Many observers criticised the judges' decision, calling it "pretty ridiculous."
Following the bout, Nurmagomedov admitted he had underestimated the Irish challenger.
The undefeated Russian, and cousin of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, improved to 19-0 with the victory.
Hughes (28) suffered only his second career loss that night but bounced back in May with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda, boosting his record to 14-2.
After his latest win, Hughes renewed his call for a rematch, which has now been secured.
Both fighters demonstrated why their January bout was named one of the year's best, setting the stage for another high-stakes rematch in Dubai.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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