PFL launched its 2025 campaign Saturday with its new "Champions Series" premier events.

The promotion heavily advertised the event as "Dagestan vs. Ireland," exemplified by the evening's lightweight title main event between Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov and challenger Paul Hughes. In an early entrant for 2025's Fight of the Year, Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) retained his belt and remained undefeated with a contentious majority decision win (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).

Competing in his third title defense, Nurmagomedov opened with a kick-heavy approach, landing low and sticking Hughes (13-2) to the body. That was primarily the story of the opening round aside from low blows landed by each, although they opened up with punches in the final minute as Hughes appeared to find his range.

Hughes' aggression picked up in the second round. He landed a nice push kick that briefly sat the champion down, and when Nurmagomedov looked to turn to his wrestling game, he was defended nicely by the Irishman. Hughes' body shots and leg kicks also really started giving the champion problems.

The third round was terrible for Hughes' family jewels, as the challenger absorbed two brutal low blows within a minute. The fouls resulted in a critical point deduction for Nurmagomedov. With the champion sensing renewed desperation, he finally dragged Hughes to the mat with some high-amplitude takedowns. Although that groundwork was short-lived, Nurmagomedov picked up his pace.

Hughes' cage control dictated the fourth round, though the fight was delayed when an accidental head clash cut Hughes and seemingly affected Nurmagomedov enough to prompt the doctor to inspect him. A bloodied Hughes smiled through the whole delay, but once the action resumed, he was taken down and controlled comfortably by the champion for the first time in the bout.

The fifth and final round saw the champion in hot pursuit of a takedown, resulting in some wall-and-stall until Hughes hit a beautiful sit-out switch. Hughes attempted to pour on the offense whenever openings were available, and Nurmagomedov was visibly slowed by the bout's end.

Overall it was a phenomenal clash between some seriously high-level lightweights, though Nurmagomedov did enough to edge out a mildly controversial decision.

"Paul Hughes, you are the man, brother. You are really the man," an exhausted Nurmagomedov said. "Brother, you are tough. Honestly, I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake, but still undefeated, undisputed."

Afterward, an emotional and visibly crestfallen Hughes called for a rematch.

"I'm so gutted, I'm so disappointed. I really thought I won that one. I should've pushed harder. I know we're going to fight again, there's no question," Hughes said. "So much respect for this man. I thought I won tonight, but look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time and I will."

In the co-main event, former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov made easy work of veteran heavyweight Tim Johnson. An early head kick from Nemkov cut Johnson's forehead before Nemkov served three more kicks in succession. Nemkov then decided he'd had enough, taking Johnson down to work toward Johnson's back methodically and secure the rear-naked choke victory.

PFL's revamped 2025 PFL tournament kicks off in April.

Catch full PFL Dubai results below.

Main card

Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)

Vadim Nemkov def. Timothy Johnson via RD1 submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:08 | Watch finish

Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via RD2 submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:22 | Watch finish

Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29–28, 29–28)

Prelims

Ahmed Sami def. Tarek Suleiman via RD1 TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00 | Watch finish

Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via RD2 technical submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50 | Watch finish

Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Pañales via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, 30–27)

John Mitchell def. Souhil Tahïri via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Haider Khan def. Mostafa Rashed Nada via RD1 TKO (injury) at 3:18 | Watch finish | Slow motion

Talal AlQallaf def. Saeed AlHosani via unanimous decision (29–27, 29–28, 30–27)