The PFL will stage a significant championship occasion in Dubai on October 3, headlined by two world title bouts on the Coca-Cola Area. The cardboard, titled PFL Champions Sequence: Street to Dubai – The Rematch, will function the return assembly between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, in addition to a lightweight heavyweight title conflict between Corey Anderson and Dovlet Yagshimuradov.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2
The primary occasion will see undefeated light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) defend his title towards Eire’s Paul Hughes (14-2). The pair fought earlier this 12 months in January on the similar venue, producing a five-round contest that many thought to be probably the greatest fights of the 12 months. Nurmagomedov was declared the winner by resolution, although the outcome was the topic of fan debate. Hughes has since returned with a speedy 42-second win over Bruno Miranda in Might, utilizing his post-fight interview to immediately name for the rematch.
Nurmagomedov, recognized for his technical management and tactical strategy, holds notable wins over former champions Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson, competing in what is taken into account certainly one of MMA’s best divisions. The October assembly will mark his newest defence towards certainly one of his closest rivals.
Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov
The co-main occasion will revisit a earlier encounter between former Bellator Mild Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) and reigning PFL Mild Heavyweight Match Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1). Anderson gained their first match within the 2021 Bellator World Grand Prix Quarterfinal by third-round stoppage. Since that bout, Anderson has collected the Bellator title and not too long ago halted 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov. Yagshimuradov, representing Turkmenistan, has gone unbeaten in his final seven fights, securing the PFL gentle heavyweight belt with a victory over Impa Kasanganay.
PFL Champions Sequence: Street to Dubai – The Rematch
The undercard will embody an undefeated heavyweight assembly between Pouya Rahmani (4-0) and Slim Trabelsi (8-0). Additionally scheduled is a 165-pound grudge bout between Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) and Artem Lobov (14-15-1), initially deliberate for 2018 however cancelled after the UFC 229 post-fight incident. In welterweight motion, 2024 PFL MENA Champion Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) meets PFL Europe Champion Florim Zendeli (10-1-1), with each fighters driving unbeaten streaks.
The occasion is a part of the PFL’s ongoing “Street to Dubai” initiative, run in partnership with the Dubai Sports activities Council and Dubai Division of Financial system and Tourism. Launched in November 2024, the marketing campaign has introduced a number of worldwide MMA playing cards to the UAE and can culminate within the Street to Dubai Finale in January.
PFL CEO John Martin referred to as the October occasion one of many league’s greatest nights, noting the importance of staging two championship fights in Dubai. He cited town’s rising place as a number for main MMA occasions and the PFL’s function in presenting high-level competitors on a world stage.
