'Dagestan vs Ireland 2' announcement sends MMA fans wild as superb Bellator-PFL title fight revealed for January 2025
11/20/2024 10:59 AM
Get ready for some 'Notorious' PTSD; Dagestan vs Ireland 2 has just been announced by the PFL with undefeated Russian phenom Usman Nurmagomedov taking on Irish superstar Paul Hughes for lightweight gold in early 2025.
The Bellator Champions Series, also now known as the Road to Dubai, will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in the United Arab Emirates on January 25, 2025 – here's everything you need to know.
Bellator Champions Series: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes announced for 2025
Earlier today, the PFL announced that the Road to Dubai: Champions Series event in January 2025 will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between 18-0 champion Usman Nurmagomedov and surging Irish talent, Paul 'Big News' Hughes.
With their finger of the promotional pulse, the event has been aptly marketed as 'Dagestan vs Ireland 2' – a reference to the infamous UFC title fight between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman's older cousin.
Following his title victory over Brent Primus being overturned to a No Contest after Nurmagomedov popped hot, the undefeated Russian would retain his championship belt with a hard-fought win over Alexander Shabliy in September.
Whilst we expect Nurmagomedov to be the heavy betting favorite, the strength of schedule will certainly be on the side of Hughes, who has rattled off three impressive wins in 2024 – including an outstanding split decision over AJ McKee at the PFL: Battle of the Giants event last month.
In fact, Hughes would call on his fellow countryman, Conor McGregor, to be a member of his corner team for Nurmagomedov after that victory over McKee: "Conor, I want you in my corner for that fight, 100 percent.
"How cool would that be – I mean, we might need some extra security that night, but I'm down for it [and] I think it would be fun."
“I am always excited to challenge myself against the best athletes and I view Paul Hughes as a worthy opponent," Nurmagomedov stated on the upcoming title fight, adding that he was “proud to be the first MMA main event in Dubai history."
"The championship has always been in my plans, and now it's coming to fruition in January when I face Usman," Paul Hughes said in response: "I respect what he brings to the table and I am not discrediting him, but I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion."
The title fight announcement was also accompanied by news that the PFL had signed a multi-year deal with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; with the Bellator Champions Series now under the 'Road to Dubai' banner.
"The first-of-its-kind partnership will see MMA world champions and the sport's biggest stars from the PFL compete in title fights as Dubai becomes a marquee destination for the best in MMA," read a press release.
"All other Champions Series events will now be co-branded as 'Road to Dubai' as each show culminates to the finale set in the new fight capital."
Nurmagomedov vs Hughes goes down live from the UAE on January 25, 2025.
