Back to the MMA Newsfeed

Usman Nurmagomedov Reveals Why He Accepted Paul Hughes Rematch

Nurmagomedov edged Hughes in their first meeting. | PFL MMA

Usman Nurmagomedov didn’t seem keen on a rematch with Paul Hughes after beating him in his last outing.

Nurmagomedov defeated Hughes via majority decision in their first encounter this past January. While the PFL lightweight champ initially didn’t want a rematch, it has been booked for Oct. 3 when the PFL returns to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Hughes recently claimed that Usman was essentially forced by the PFL to accept the rematch. Nurmagomedov has responded with his version of the affair.