One of 2025’s most debated fights might finally get its sequel. Khabib Nurmagomedov has teased that his cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, will run it back with Paul Hughes — and the rematch could headline a major PFL event in Dubai this October.
Their first meeting back in January turned into one of the year’s biggest talking points. At PFL Champions Series 1 — the final Bellator title fight before its full merger into the PFL — Nurmagomedov walked away with a decision after a tense, controversial five-round battle. A point deduction for an illegal strike stirred even more drama, and while one judge scored it 47–47, the other two sided with Nurmagomedov 48–46.
Calls for a rematch never stopped. Now, Khabib has added fuel to the fire, telling streamer Sneako that Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 is targeted for October 4 in Dubai. With PFL Europe and PFL MENA already on the calendar for late September, this Dubai card could serve as the third Champions Series show — and potentially crown the first official PFL lightweight champion.
Momentum only adds intrigue. Hughes just blasted Bruno Miranda in 42 seconds at PFL Europe Belfast, while Nurmagomedov hasn’t fought since their January clash. The storyline almost writes itself: the undefeated Dagestani prodigy defending his narrow win against a surging rival hungry for redemption.
With controversy from the first fight still simmering, this rematch feels less like a rumor and more like destiny. All that’s missing is the official announcement to lock in one of the year’s biggest MMA events.
