The highly anticipated Ireland vs. Dagestan 2 showdown lived up to the hype, with Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defending his Bellator lightweight title against Paul Hughes via majority decision. From start to finish, the fight had the MMA world on edge, delivering a thrilling mix of skill, determination, and high-stakes drama. Two judges scored it 48-46 in favor of Nurmagomedov, while the third had it a 47-47 draw, underscoring just how razor-close the contest was.
Hughes, riding a 13-1 record showcased remarkable resilience and technical brilliance throughout the bout. The fight was not without controversy, featuring multiple accidental groin strikes from both fighters in the opening round. In the third round, another unintentional low blow by Nurmagomedov led to a point deduction, further raising the stakes. Despite this, Khabib’s cousin extended his undefeated record to an astonishing 19-0. However, he acknowledged Hughes’ performance, admitting, “I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake, but I’m still undefeated.”
Though the Irishman fell short on the scorecards, his performance left a lasting impression. In his post-fight interview, the 155fer made it clear that he believed he had done enough to win and wasted no time calling for a rematch—this time, on home soil. Taking to Instagram, Hughes shared a glimpse of his battle and reminded fans just how close the fight was. His caption caught significant attention: “Dreams into reality. My next dream is to fight at home. PLEASE make this happen @pflmma #BELFAST.”
This bout not only reaffirmed Usman Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the lightweight division but also cemented Paul Hughes as a legitimate threat to the division’s elite. The razor-thin margin of victory has sparked widespread debate, with fans clamoring for a rematch—potentially on Hughes’ home turf in Belfast.
Despite securing the win, Nurmagomedov didn’t appear to be at his absolute best that night. So, what held him back? According to his coach, Javier Mendez, there’s a clear explanation.
Javier Mendez weighs in on Usman Nurmagomedov’s last outing
The Bellator lightweight champion’s battle against Paul Hughes was anything but straightforward. The fight went the full distance, pushing both men to their limits in a high-stakes war of skill and endurance. Despite not being at his absolute best—a fact coach Javier Mendez later confirmed—Usman Nurmagomedov displayed the same grit and determination that have long defined his family’s legacy in the sport.
However, despite securing victory, Usman’s preparation for the fight was far from ideal. Personal setbacks and physical struggles affected his training camp leading into the bout. In a video, Mendez revealed just how difficult those eight weeks were for the champion.
“Well, this is the thing—Khabib and I didn’t train with Usman at all. We hadn’t been with him for eight weeks because we were with Islam. So all we could see was what he sent us. I didn’t know… Usman had a lot of complications. His back was messed up, he was sick—so there was a lot going on.”
As the clear underdog, Hughes brought relentless pressure and nearly pulled off a stunning upset. Despite the setback, Usman weathered the storm, proving why he remains at the top of the division. Coach Mendez even praised Hughes for his championship mentality, recognizing his ability to rise to the occasion against one of the best in the world.
But the big question remains—will Paul Hughes get his well-earned rematch on home soil in Belfast? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Paul Hughes Lays Out a Huge Demand for Rematch With Khabib’s Cousin in Potential Dagestan vs Ireland 3 Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
