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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a massive championship double-header as two PFL World Title bouts will headline PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch on October 3, 2025 emanating from 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.
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 2026, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale. “PFL Champions Series on October 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history. 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,” said PFL CEO John Martin.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes - PFL Lightweight World Title
The pair 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.
Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov - PFL Light Heavyweight World Title
This Light Heavyweight World Title contest is also a rematch of their 2021 Bellator World Grand Prix Quarterfinal, where Corey Anderson earned a third-round finish over Yagshimuradov. Anderson went on to capture the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship and most recently handed 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov his first loss in nearly two years, stopping him last month at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – Cape Town. Meanwhile, the pride of Turkmenistan has been on a tear since that defeat, riding a dominant seven-fight win streak, a run capped by a victory over Impa Kasanganay to claim the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Title. Now, these two champions will meet once again to crown the new PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch Main Card:
• PFL Lightweight World Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (14-2)
• PFL Light Heavyweight World Title Co-Main Event: Corey Anderson (19-6) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)
• Lightweight Main Card Bout: Archie Colgan (12-0) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (11-1)
• Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Lewis McGrillen (12-1) vs. Caolan Loughran (10-2)
• Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Magomed Magomedov (21-4) vs. Sergio Pettis (24-7)
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch Early Card:
• Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Pouya Rahmani (4-0) vs. Slim Trabelsi (8-0)
• 165-Pound Catchweight Bout: Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) vs. Artem Lobov (14-15-1)
• Welterweight Showcase Bout: Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) vs. Florim Zendeli (10-1-1)
• Lightweight Showcase Bout: Asael Adjoudj (10-1) vs. Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-1-1)
• Lightweight Showcase Bout: Takeshi Izumi (6-4) vs. Vinicius Cenci (9-3)
• Lightweight Showcase Bout: Makkasharip Zaynukov (17-4) vs. John Mitchell (10-2)
• Middleweight Showcase Bout: Jarrah Al-Silawi (20-7) vs. Gregory Babene (23-12)
