Dubai Champions Series Results on PFL Road: Celebrating Victors and Fallen Contenders
The Pro Fight League (PFL) was in Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena for their PFL Champions Series - Road to Dubai event. This card, dubbed Dagestan vs. Ireland 2, featured a Bellator title fight in the headliner with Usman Nurmagomedov defending against Paul Hughes. The co-main event saw Vadim Nemkov swiftly dispatch Timothy Johnson in a heavyweight scrap. Other main card highlights included Akhmed Magomedov ending Nathan Kelly's winning streak and Ibragim Ibragimov and Renat Khavalov delivering impressive victories.
The main card aired on MAX following prelims on MAX.
PFL Champions Series - Road to Dubai Results
Main Card
Usman Nurmagomedov defeats Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)
Vadim Nemkov defeats Timothy Johnson via submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:08 of Round 1
Akhmed Magomedov defeats Nathan Kelly via submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:22 of Round 2
Ibragim Ibragimov defeats Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Renat Khavalov defeats Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Ahmed Sami defeats Tarek Suleiman via KO (Punches to Head on Ground) at 5:00 of Round 1
Mirafzal Akhtamov defeats Mike Thompson via technical submission (Head and Arm Choke) at 2:50 of Round 2
Hadi Al Hussaini defeats Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
John Mitchell defeats Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27 x 3)
Haider Khan defeats Mostafa Nada via TKO (Injury) at 3:18 of Round 1
Winners
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes: In what could be the beginning of a great rivalry, Usman Nurmagomedov successfully defended his Bellator title against Paul Hughes. Despite being a substantial betting favorite, Nurmagomedov delivered a close, intense fight, highlighting the quality of both fighters.
Vadim Nemkov: Nemkov continues his impressive winning streak with a quick submission of Timothy Johnson. His dominant performance has raised questions about a potential fight against Francis Ngannou.
Akhmed Magomedov: Coming off a loss, Magomedov looked sharp against Nathan Kelly. He showed his resilience, recovering from early adversity to control the fight and secure the win.
Ibragim Ibragimov: Ibragimov's impressive victory against Kenny Mokhonoana put him in a strong position in his division, showcasing his wrestling and ground control skills.
Renat Khavalov: Khavalov's adjustments and technical prowess enabled him to edge out Cleiver Fernandes, increasing his record to 9-0.
Losers
Timothy Johnson: Johnson had a tough outing against Vadim Nemkov, but his performance shouldn't negate the talent he possesses.
Nathan Kelly: Despite his hype, Kelly struggled on the mat against Akhmed Magomedov, ultimately falling short in the second round.
Kenny Mokhonoana: Mokhonoana was overmatched in his fight against Ibragim Ibragimov. The matchmakers should have been more considerate in selecting his opponent.
Cleiver Fernandes: Fernandes failed to offer the same depth of techniques as Renat Khavalov and succumbed to his opponent's adjustments throughout the fight.
Tarek Suleiman: Suleiman was outmatched against Ahmed Sami, recording a poor showing in his first professional MMA fight.
Mike Thompson: Thompson's aggressive style worked against him in his fight against Mirafzal Akhtamov. Once he was taken to the ground, Thompson struggled to respond, resulting in the eventual loss.
Ruel Panales: Panales failed to capitalize on his striking advantages in his bout against Hadi Al Hussaini, ultimately losing on points.
Souhil Tairi: Tairi's striking was slow, and his inability to defend takedowns cost him against John Mitchell.
Mostafa Nada: Nada struggled to close distance against Haider Khan and succumbed to a blocked kick, ending his night early.
Nathan Kelly's winning streak came to an end in the main card, as he faced Akhmed Magomedov from Dagestan. Magomedov employed his grappling skills effectively, securing a submission victory over Kelly at 4:22 of Round 2.
Paul Hughes, hailing from Ireland, took on Usman Nurmagomedov in the headliner Bellator title fight. Despite Hughes' best efforts, Nurmagomedov defended his title with a majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).
Timothy Johnson, a US-based professional fighter, was swiftly dispatched by Russian fighter Vadim Nemkov in the co-main event. Nemkov achieved a submission victory over Johnson through a Rear Naked Choke at 3:08 of Round 1.
Akhmed Magomedov, a standout performer in the main card, is recognized for his resilience and impressive grappling abilities, showcased in his dominant victory against Nathan Kelly.
Although Johnson was defeated by Nemkov, his performance should not overshadow the talent he possesses in the heavyweight division. In the future, Johnson may have the opportunity to rebound and prove his worth against other challenging opponents.
