PFL Returns to Dubai on October 3 with Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2 Headlining Championship Double-Header
Dubai, UAE – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will make its highly anticipated return to Dubai on Friday, October 3, bringing a massive championship double-header to the Coca-Cola Arena. The event is part of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch, and will feature two PFL World Title fights alongside a stacked fight card.
Main Event: Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2 – PFL Lightweight World Title
The biggest rematch in PFL history takes center stage as Dagestan’s undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) defends his PFL Lightweight World Title against Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14-2).
The two first met in January at Coca-Cola Arena in a thrilling five-round battle that ended in a controversial decision win for Nurmagomedov. Fans have been demanding a rematch ever since. Hughes rebounded in May with a 42-second stoppage win, declaring, “Your day is coming, Nurmagomedov!”
Nurmagomedov remains unbeaten and is widely regarded as one of MMA’s most technically complete fighters, with victories over champions like Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson.
Co-Main Event: Anderson vs Yagshimuradov – PFL Light Heavyweight World Title
Former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) will take on reigning PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1).
This is a rematch of their 2021 Bellator World Grand Prix quarterfinal, where Anderson earned a third-round stoppage. Since then, Yagshimuradov has been unstoppable, riding a seven-fight win streak and claiming the 2024 PFL title. Anderson is coming off a big win over Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov, proving he’s still at the top of his game.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch Main Card:
Friday, Oct. 3
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)
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)
Dubai: A Growing MMA Capital
The event is made possible through PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Since launching the “Road to Dubai” campaign in November 2024, PFL has brought world-class MMA to the UAE, solidifying the region’s status as a hub for elite combat sports.
PFL CEO John Martin said the October 3 show will be “one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” showcasing championship-level talent and compelling storylines for a global audience.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch promises a night of high-stakes battles, historic rivalries, and world-class MMA action that fans in Dubai and beyond won’t want to miss.
