New Delhi: The Dagestani vs Irishman bout has been an intense rivalry in MMA, and fans again witnessed a top-notch fight at the Bellator promotion. Usman Nurmagomedov, brother of UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov battled against Paul Hughes at the Coco-Cola Arena in Dubai on January 26, Sunday.
Usman came into the fight as a massive favorite and also came with an all-star corner featuring Khabib and Islam Makhachev in his corner. Islam was also presented in Khabib’s corner when Khabib vs Conor McGregor fight happened.
The fight starts with both fighters looking tentative but Usman was more active on the feet. Both fighters hit a low blow to each other as Refree gave warnings to both fighters.
Despite coming from Nurmagomedov’s family, Usman is considered the best striker in the family. Champion landed some big shots in the first two rounds and the first two rounds were slow-paced as both fighters were neglecting to take risks in the fight.
The third round started with Hughes targeting Nurmagomedov’s legs and the champion was looking in deep trouble as his legs were looking a bit shaky in the start and Hughes was trying to increase the pace of the fight.
The champion landed a low blow again but this time referee deducted a point and Hughes rushed to Nurmagomedov and defended the takedowns and also took Usman down to the ground.
Usman was looking a bit tired like his brother Umar Nurmagomedov but Usman was defending well and countered the Hughes attack in the fourth round and it was also a close round between both fighters.
Hughes impressed everyone with his performance before the fight everyone thought it would be a one-sided affair but Hughes stood tall in the fight. It was a close round as well in the end and the fight should be gone in any way but with a point deduction Hughes held the upper hand in the fight.
The referees scored the fight as 4-1 in favor of Usman which was like a shocker for everyone but Usman was successful in retaining his lightweight title against Hughes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s brother Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes via unanimous decision at Coco-Cola arena in Dubai on January 26, Sunday. UFC Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
