USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV retained bragging rights over Paul Hughes with another razor-thin decision marred with controversial scoring.
In January, Nurmagomedov walked away with the Bellator lightweight title and a unanimous decision over Irishman Hughes in Dubai.
And back at the same Coca-Cola Arena – this time with the Professional Fighters League title on the line after their acquisition of Bellator – again it went the full five rounds.
But with a questionable score of 50-45 – giving Nurmagomedov every round – along with 49-46 and 48-47 – the Russian was once again the winner.
He said: “OK, so you want to say this fight was so close too? I feel I win every round. But it was very tough fight, he was very tough opponent.
“I don’t underestimate the brother this time. I think you underestimate me. Maybe you make mistake. But anyway, big respect guys.
“Happy to see you again, and thank you so much for the fight, Paul. Big respect.”
The two wasted no time in getting back down to business after throwing leather for the first five minutes.
Hughes was hit with a low-blow – which Nurmagomedov was docked a point for in the initial fight – in what proved to be a sign of things to come.
Nurmagomedov’s jab and late takedown got him off to a good start in round one but Hughes bounced back.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
In the second, Hughes got up from a takedown to pour the pressure on, landing with knees and hooks.
The third was a tight affair, with Nurmagomedov scoring with sharp jabs and right hands, but Hughes answered back with shots of his own.
In the fourth, Hughes was left in agony on the deck after ANOTHER low-blow went unpunished in the champion’s favour.
The Dagestani grappler – cousin of the legendary Khabib – tried but failed in submission attempts but his dominance was evident.
Hughes came out on the front foot in the fifth and final round, backing an exhausted Nurmagomedov into all corners of the cage.
But as the final bell sounded, the travelling challenger looked as though he knew a home decision was about to be awarded.
And with the lopsided score delivered, Hughes had to succumb to second best again – despite what looked to be at least an equal effort.
Refusing to be denied the chance to thank his fans, Hughes said while sporting a busted right eye: “They were trying to cut me off there!
“I said I have to talk to my people for travelling over here. I want to thank everybody so much for travelling to Dubai. The Irish fans are truly the best.
“As I said, they were telling me I wasn’t getting a post-fight interview but I have to thank you for being here.”
“I will be back. Trust me, I will be back. And thank you Usman and his team as well. So much respect.”
Khabib – who retired in 2020 as a UFC great undefeated at 29-0 – had the most bitter of feuds with Irishman Conor McGregor.
But he said to huge applause: “First of all, I want to say thank you Paul. Because of this guy we push him so hard last eight months.
“You remember it was January here, it was not easy fight. But we prove how much we improve and today we show he has more age and time ahead.
“He’s only 26, 27 and after five years his prime is gonna come. Can you guys imagine?”
