When you are one of the best lightweights in the world, it’s only natural to be challenged by others aiming to take your throne. Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov is experiencing just that, as Paul Hughes has stepped up to challenge him for the lightweight belt. Hughes might be in an adrenaline rush to take on the Dagestani, but Nurmagomedov says, “Nobody can touch me.”

The fight has become even more intriguing, now being dubbed Dagestan vs. Ireland 2.0. Moreover, if reports are to be believed, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor will be under the same roof to witness the clash. As the date of the fight draws near, fans have a question on their mind and that is where to watch the clash. Well, today we are going to break it down for you.

PFL Champions Series Dubai: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes date, venue, time in USA, UK, and more

The professional fighting league will be making a return with their marque event “The Road to Dubai Championship” series and it will be headlined by the undisputed Bellator champion, Usman Nurmagomedov, and the number one contender Paul Hughes. Interestingly, ahead of the fight, the PFL management announced that they would be stripping Bellator’s name from all of its events so it is unclear whether or not Usman Nurmagomedov will be prompted to the PFL champion.

Regardless, the clash has been in the making since Paul Hughes defeated AJ McKee Jr. by split decision back in 2024. The Dagestani vs. Ireland 2.0 will be taking place at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena, located in Dubai’s vibrant City Walk on on Saturday, January 25. Well, since the card is entirely based in the Middle East, the US audience will stream live in the U.S. on Max at 10:30 EST.

When the lightweight champ was asked about his intentions for Paul Hughes, he stated that the Irish fighter doesn’t have what it takes to defeat him, “In my opinion, this fight is not a contender fight. If you make a contender fight, make it five rounds. These guys make it three rounds and they give him a title shot. But maybe this fight is good for the media, and that’s why they gave me Paul, who has only two fights in Bellator. But I don’t care. Give me some name, and a date, and I will be there and I will be ready.”

Well, the is expected to be a fiery one considering the fact that Usman Nurmagoemdov’s brother, Umar recently lost his UFC bantamweight title against Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 311 and Khabib Nurmagomedov wants nothing but a victory from his other cousin. Regardless, what are the other fights that have been placed on the marquee card? Let’s find out.

PFL Champions Series Dubai full card

Apart from the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes fight, the Dubai card is stacked with exciting matchups, all set to ignite the ring when the bell tolls.

PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series main card:

• Lightweight title: Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) vs. Paul Hughes (13-1).
• Heavyweight: Vadim Nemkov (18-2) vs. Tim Johnson (18-10).
• Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov (10-1) vs. Nathan Kelly (11-2).
• Featherweight: Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1).
• Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov (8-0) vs. Cleiver Fernandes (9-1).

Preliminary card:

• Middleweight: Tarek Suleiman (13-8) vs. Ahmed Samy (11-4)
• Middleweight: Yakub Sulimanov (7-0) vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe (20-7)
• Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov (7-0-1) vs. Mike Thompson (7-2)
• Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini (5-1-1) vs. Ruel Pañales (5-2)
• Lightweight: John Mitchell (9-2) vs. Souhil Tairi (7-5-1)
• Middleweight: Mostafa Nada (9-3) vs. Haider Khan (8-1)

How to watch Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes?

The PFL Road to Dubai Championships series will be live-streamed in the United States on Max (formerly HBO Max) this Saturday at 10:30 EST and worldwide through DAZN. This event marks the debut of the series, which was launched under a landmark multi-year agreement between the Professional Fighters League (PFL), the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and the Dubai Sports Council (DSC).

Well, DAZN provides flexible subscription options to cater to diverse preferences and budgets. Their monthly plan is priced at $29.99 per month, which is ideal for people who want to witness some upcoming pay-per-views. For long-term savings, the annual plan costs $224.99 per year, effectively lowering the monthly cost for committed subscribers.

The Dagestan vs. Ireland matchup will be fiery with both Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov under the same roof. Regardless, what’s your take on the fight? Do you expect the Irish fighter to defeat the Dagestani or will it be another successful endeavor for Nurmagomedov? State your thoughts in the comments below.