Usman Nurmagomedov is the centre of attention amid 19 other fighters in the PFL’s inaugural Road to Dubai Champions Series slated for Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena.
There are good reasons for him to hog the limelight. He’s undefeated in 18 fights and has held the Bellator lightweight belt for 799 days, which ranks as the third longest single title reign in the promotion’s weight class.
Nurmagomedov’s victories include eight knockouts or TKOs, six submissions and four unanimous decisions, and to top it off, he’s the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Appearing at the PFL media day after two no-shows, the 26-year-old Dagestani resident was swamped by the media.
The reasons for his his no-shows were not known. But he appeared calm and confident.
“I’m going to destroy this guy like what I have been doing in all my fights,” he told The National about his PFL world lightweight title defence against Paul Hughes.
“I’m not worried of how anyone prepares against me, but I just do my work regardless of what my opponents bring to the table. This is mixed martial arts, and one must be able to bring all the skills fighting inside the cage.
“I have done my homework, prepared well and am ready for him (Hughes). I can strike, I can grapple and fight both standing and on the ground. I’ll finish him off before the five rounds.”
That indeed was a strong message to Hughes who is appearing in only his second fight in the promotion, after his debut victory over American AJ McKee in the PFL Super Fights series Battle of the Giants card in Riyadh in October.
Nurmagomedov felt that Hughes coming into a title fight after two fights in the promotion was a “surprise” for him.
“Honestly, Paul Hughes doesn't have a name in MMA. Who said he has a name? Who knows Paul Hughes?
“And with everyone who will fight with me, everybody will use my name and try to grow his own.
“I don't know why they (PFL) give him a title shot after two fights in the promotion. I watched his fight against AJ McKee, and it wasn’t at my level,” he pointed out.
“He had only two fights at 155 lbs. He was fighting 145 before. But I don't care, I'm not choosing the opponents. If PFL has given me someone, I will do my job and that's it.”
Nurmagomedov will also have his fans behind him in a 12,000-seat capacity sold-out arena.
“I know there are lots of Russian-speaking people and those of Islamic faith in Dubai. They certainly are a big motivation for me. I want to put on a show for them,” he said when asked of his popularity in the city.
“Not only the fans but members of my family, my friends from back home have also travelled to Dubai for the fight.
“The first time I visited Dubai was like in 2018 and have visited several times thereafter. Honestly, I am so proud of this country because in Dubai you find people from all over the world.
“I love this place. I consider Dubai as my second home. I have had many camps here and I feel very proud and honoured that I’m in the main card and defending my belt.”
Usman will be the fourth fighter from the Khabib camp in action following Tagir Ulanbekov, Islam Makhachev and Umar Nurmagomedov’s appearances in the UFC in the last two weeks.
Ulanbekov and Makhachev emerged winners, but Usman’s older brother Umar suffered a first career defeat in 19 fights when he went down by unanimous decision against Georgian Merab Dvalishvili.
“Of course, it makes me a little sad (Umar’s loss after suffering a fractured hand). I know I am so much sad, but I am focused on my fight,” he said.
Khabib has been by the corner for all of them and is expected to be at Usman's side on Saturday.
“This is not the first time he is in my corner. It’s nothing new to me and he’s my mentor, and obviously it’s great to have him in my corner,” he added.
“Nothing has changed in our team. We are one family and Khabib is our leader. I’m here to defend my belt and continue a legacy. That's it for me.”
Russian Vadim Nemkov and American Tim Johnson headline the heavyweight co-main contest that also includes some exciting match-ups, including the one between Khasan Magomedsharipov and Ireland’s Nathan Kelly in the lightweight division.
Ibragim Ibragimov faces Kenny Mokhonoana in a featherweight contest and Renat Khavalov puts his unbeaten record on the line against Cleiver Fernandes in the bantamweight division.
Road to Dubai Champions Series
Lightweight world title: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) v Paul Hughes (13-1)
Heavyweight co-main: Vadim Nemkov (18-2) v Tim Johnson (18-10)
Main card
Featherweight: Akhmad Magomed (10-0) v Nathan Kelly (11-2)
Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) v Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1)
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (8-0) v Cleiver Fernandes (9-1)
Preliminary card
Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) v Ahmed Samy (11-4)
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov v Mike Thompson
Flyweight Preliminary: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) v Ruel Panales (5-2)
Lightweight: John Mitchell (9-2) v Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
Featherweight: Youssef Al Housani (4-1) v Assem Ghanem (4-0)
Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (9-3) v Haider Khan (8-1)
