PFL launched its 2025 campaign on Saturday with its new “Champions Series” premier events.
The promotion heavily advertised the event as “Dagestan vs. Ireland,” exemplified by the evening’s lightweight title main event between Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov and challenger Paul Hughes. In an early entrant for 2025’s Fight of the Year, Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) retained his belt and remained undefeated with a contentious majority decision win (47-47, 48-46, 48-46).
Competing in his third title defense, Nurmagomedov opened with a kick-heavy approach, landing low and sticking Hughes (13-2) to the body. That was primarily the story of the opening round aside from low blows landed by each. They opened up with punches in the final minute as Hughes appeared to find his range.
Hughes’ aggression picked up in the second round, as he landed a nice push kick that briefly sat the champion down. Nurmagomedov looked to turn to his wrestling game, only to get defended nicely by the Irishman. Body shots and leg kicks really started giving the champion problems before the fight entered round three.
Round three was terrible for the Hughes family jewels, absorbing two brutal low blows within a minute. The fouls resulted in a critical point deduction for Nurmagomedov. With the champion realizing his desperation, he finally got his opponent to the mat with some high-amplitude takedowns. Although short-lived, Nurmagomedov picked up his pace.
Hughes’ cage control dictated the first championship round. Unfortunately, fight pauses continued when an accidental head clash cut Hughes and seemingly affected Nurmagomedov enough to have the doctor inspect him. A bloodied Hughes smiled through the whole delay before the action resumed, and he was taken down and held comfortably for the first time in the fight.
The fifth and final round saw the champion in hot pursuit of taking down the challenger, resulting in some wall and stall until Hughes hit a beautiful sit-out switch. Hughes attempted to pour on the offense when openings were available, and Nurmagomedov was visibly slowed by the round’s end.
Overall, it was a phenomenal clash between some seriously high-level lightweights.
In the co-main event, former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov made easy work of veteran heavyweight Tim Johnson. An early head kick from Nemkov cut Johnson’s forehead before he was served three more in succession. Nemkov decided he’d had enough, taking Johnson down to work toward Johnson’s back methodically and securing the rear-naked choke victory.
PFL Champions Series 1 delivered five finishes in its 11-fight lineup. The revamped 2025 PFL tournament starts this April.
PFL Champions Series 1 full results:
Main card
(C) Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)
Vadim Nemkov def. Timothy Johnson via RD1 submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:08
Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via RD2 submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:22
Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30–27 All)
Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, 29–28)
Prelims
Ahmed Sami def. Tarek Suleiman via RD1 TKO (referee stoppage) at 5:00
Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via RD2 technical submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50
Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Pañales via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–28, 30–27)
John Mitchell def. Souhil Tahïri via unanimous decision (30–27 All)
Haider Khan def. Mostafa Rashed Nada via RD1 TKO (injury) at 3:18
Talal AlQallaf def. Saeed AlHosani via unanimous decision (29–27, 29–28, 30–27)
