The world of mixed martial arts is preparing for one of the most anticipated rematches of 2025 as Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes meet again on October 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE. This lightweight showdown, which headlines a major Professional Fighters League event, is more than just a championship defense. It is the continuation of a rivalry born earlier this year when the two men clashed in a fight that left fans and analysts debating the result for weeks. With the PFL Lightweight World Title once again on the line, the stakes have never been higher for both Nurmagomedov and Hughes.
In their first meeting, Nurmagomedov entered as the undefeated champion with the kind of aura that comes from being part of the famed Nurmagomedov fighting dynasty. Known for his clinical grappling, suffocating top control, and calm composure inside the cage, Usman was widely expected to dominate. Hughes, however, had other plans. The Irish contender came in with a reputation for sharp striking and relentless pressure, and instead of being overwhelmed, he pushed the champion to his limits. Across five grueling rounds, Hughes used body shots, clinch work, and superior cardio to keep the fight competitive, especially in the later stages when Nurmagomedov began to slow down. Although Nurmagomedov retained his belt by majority decision, many observers felt the challenger had done enough to earn at least a draw. That controversy sparked immediate demand for a rematch, and the PFL wasted little time booking it.
The fighting styles of these two athletes create a fascinating tactical chess match. Usman Nurmagomedov, like his cousin Khabib, is at his best when he can dictate the fight through his wrestling and chain grappling. His ability to close distance, drag opponents to the mat, and control them while landing ground-and-pound makes him a nightmare matchup for most lightweights. He blends traditional Dagestani wrestling with calculated striking, using front kicks and jabs to keep his opponents guessing before timing a level change. His composure and high fight IQ allow him to stick to a game plan even under pressure, which is why he remains undefeated despite facing increasingly tough competition.
Paul Hughes, by contrast, is a striker with a never-back-down mentality. His boxing combinations, body work, and ability to maintain pace over five rounds make him dangerous to anyone who allows him space. He is adept at punishing opponents who fade in later rounds, and his fight with Nurmagomedov showed his resilience and conditioning. Where Hughes truly shines is in his ability to create momentum. Once he begins to land clean, he ramps up the pressure, forcing his opponent into defensive mode and taking over the tempo of the fight. He may not have the elite wrestling background of Nurmagomedov, but his takedown defense and scrambling have improved dramatically, and they will be tested again on the Dubai stage.
This rematch carries several storylines that elevate it beyond a typical title fight. For Nurmagomedov, the goal is clear: remove all doubt. Winning again is not enough; he needs to win decisively to silence critics who believe Hughes exposed weaknesses. Remaining undefeated is vital to his legacy and his position as the face of PFL’s lightweight division. For Hughes, this is a chance at redemption. To come so close to dethroning the champion once and then to return with adjustments and improvements would not only earn him the belt but also cement him as one of Europe’s most important rising stars in MMA. The lightweight division is notoriously deep, and a win over a Nurmagomedov would elevate Hughes into elite territory.
The keys to victory for each fighter remain consistent with their strengths. Nurmagomedov must impose his wrestling early, control the pace, and avoid extended striking exchanges where Hughes thrives. Hughes, on the other hand, must stuff takedowns, attack the body to drain Nurmagomedov’s gas tank, and turn the fight into another war of attrition. The outcome may very well depend on cardio and who can dictate the later rounds, as both men are durable and unlikely to succumb to early stoppages.
While bookmakers and most insiders lean toward Nurmagomedov’s experience and well-rounded skill set, Hughes enters the rematch with confidence, momentum, and the hunger of a challenger who believes the first result did not reflect reality. That hunger, combined with his striking and pressure, makes him more than just a live underdog. No matter the result, this fight is guaranteed to deliver high drama, technical brilliance, and the kind of rivalry that keeps fans invested in the PFL. On October 3 in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes will settle unfinished business, and the world will be watching.
