Usman Nurmagomedov Triumphs in Controversial Win Over Paul Hughes
Usman Nurmagomedov just won a controversial decision against rival Paul Hughes. At PFL Road to Dubai: Champions Series Nurmagomedov fended off the tough Hughes in a five-round masterpiece. A fight coach Khabib Nurmagomedov called “Another Fiery Night” earlier in the week and Hughes and Nurmagomedov did not disappoint. The mixed martial arts displayed by Hughes and Nurmagomedov was delightful and the pace was high. With so many great takeaways from Nurmagomedov vs Hughes where did the controversy come from?
Paul Hughes Wrestles Nurmagomedov and Fouls
In a grinding fight, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov and contender Paul Hughes found themselves wrestling more than fatigue. It was a battle where striking exchanges were astonishing, the wrestling scrambles top tier, and clinch work on full display. The only thing that turned the tide and took away from the MMA spectacle taking place inside the cage, was the accidental fouls. A clash of heads left the champion dazed and needing a few minutes and the challenger covered in a mask of his blood. There was also the double-eye poke that left both competitors blinking out the damage through the round. The Cherry on top of this were the three groin strikes Hughes absorbed one sending him facedown to the canvas. Mistakes happen and are part of combat sports but they also come with a price as Nurmagomedov found out.
Exessive Accidents Cost Nurmogomedov
Usman Nurmagomedov carried the momentum of the fight entering into the third round. The Bellator lightweight champion continued to batter the lead leg of Hughes. As fatigue began to set in on both men Numagomeov found some of his kicks missing the mark. Hughes and his constant pressure, and relentless bodywork in the clinch started to pay off. The Champion’s first two fouls only brushed the cup and caused a brief stop in the action. But the third accidental groin strike sent Hughes face-first to the canvas In pain. Forced referee Mike Beltran was forced to step in and take a point from Nurmagomedov.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s Majority Decision Over Paul Huhes
Nurmagomedov lost a point in the third round and Hughes won a close fourth round. Leaving no other option for The Bellator Champion than to leave everything in the cage for the fifth and final round. Every ounce of champion metal inside of Usman Nurmagomedov was left inside Coca-Cola Arena. As the scorecards were read off (47-47 48-46 and 48-46) And Still undefeated Nurmagomedov had done it. Winning a razor-close majority decision left fans screaming controversy and Hughes saying ” Rematch in Belfast”.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
