'Paul Hughes is legit': Fighters react to Usman Nurmagomedov's title defense in PFL all-timer
Usman Nurmagomedov's undefeated record was put under threat unlike ever before against Paul Hughes in Saturday's PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, but escaped with the belt.
Nurmagomedov (19-0) narrowly retained his lightweight championship as an extremely game Hughes (13-2) put on the performance of a lifetime at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. It wasn't enough, though, and Nurmagomedov was awarded the majority decision victory.
It was arguably the best fight in PFL history, however, and with that came overwhelming praise from the MMA community.
Related
PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series live results
Check below for the top social media reactions to Nurmagomedov beating Hughes.
* * * *
Careful first round. Nurmagomedov likely takes it on activity. He did a good job at least being consistent with his offense even though it wasn't necessarily hugely damaging.
Hughes's hand speed seems like it could give Usman problems, but he's got to let his hands go.— Luke Thomas🏋️♀️ (@lthomasnews) January 25, 2025
Paul Hughes is legit!!
— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) January 25, 2025
One each after two. Quality fight.
— Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) January 25, 2025
Gonna be interesting to watch Usman fighting with some serious urgency now
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 25, 2025
I have it 28-28 entering the championship rounds.
R1 10-9 Usman
R2 10-9 Hughes
R3 9-9 (Usman point deduction)
Incredible fight thus far.— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 25, 2025
Fantastic matchup so far between Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov 👏👏
— Arnold billy allen (@Arnoldbfa) January 25, 2025
Usman needed damage to close this round to me. I'm gonna say it's 2-2 but Usman is down 38-37 due to the R3 point deduction.
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) January 25, 2025
Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do. Congrats my guy. You won regardless of the outcome. Big ups to both men.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) January 25, 2025
Hughes is game great scrap
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) January 25, 2025
Wow what a fight amazing performance from both guys usman won that
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) January 25, 2025
Thoughts on Paul Hughes?
— Donagh Corby (@DonaghCorby_) January 25, 2025
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: 'Paul Hughes is legit': Fighters react to Usman Nurmagomedov's title defense in PFL all-timer
