Usman vs Hughes fight headlines PFL’S return to Dubai on October 3

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) on Wednesday announced a massive championship double-header for its return to the UAE, as two PFL World Title bouts will headline PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch on Oct. 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena.

The biggest rematch in PFL history takes center stage in Dubai, as Dagestan’s undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19 0, 1 NC) and Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14 2) battle for the PFL Lightweight World Title in the main event.

In the co-main event, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) will face 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) for the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title.

In addition, three early card bouts have been confirmed, including a Heavyweight clash between former Iranian National Team wrestler Pouya Rahmani (4-0) and former Tunisian Olympic wrestler Slim Trabelsi (8-0), with both fighters looking to preserve their undefeated records.

A grudge match nearly seven years in the making is officially set, as Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) finally faces Artem Lobov (14-15-1) in Dubai. Originally booked to fight in 2018, the matchup was scrapped following the UFC 229 post-fight brawl and subsequent suspensions. On Oct. 3, the two will finally settle their score inside the PFL SmartCage.

2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) of Egypt will fight 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) of Albania in a battle of two PFL Regional Tournament winners who are both in the midst of multi-fight unbeaten streaks. Additional main card and early card bouts will be announced shortly.

This event further cements Dubai’s evolving role as a global MMA hub. It’s made possible through PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Since its official launch in November 2024, the ‘Road to Dubai’ campaign has brought a series of PFL global MMA events to the UAE, positioning the region as a centerpiece for elite combat sports. While the Road to Dubai Finale is scheduled for January, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale.

“PFL Champions Series on Oct. 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “To have two PFL World Titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different.

“This is more than just a fight card, it’s a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform. Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport’s true capitals, and there’s no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history.”

Nurmagomedov and Hughes first met this past January in the very venue where they’ll clash again this October, delivering an instant Fight of the Year contender. The event sold out Coca-Cola Arena, with fans travelling from Russia and Ireland, creating a charged atmosphere for an electric five-round battle. While Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, the outcome sparked fierce debate among fans, many of whom felt Hughes had done enough for the win, setting the stage for a can’t-miss rematch between two of the world’s most elite Lightweights.

Fueled by the loss, Hughes came roaring back with a statement win, electrifying fans this May with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda in front of a sold-out crowd in Belfast. After the fight, he made his intentions crystal clear: “Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run and delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is coming.”

Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov remains undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in MMA. Competing in what many consider the sport’s toughest division, the 27-year-old champion’s resumé includes victories over elite opponents including former champions Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson, as well as Alexander Shabliy.