Usman Nurmagomedov wins again against Hughes: judges' decision sparks scandal.

According to The Sun: Usman Nurmagomedov once again proved his superiority over Paul Hughes, receiving another controversial judges' decision. In January, Nurmagomedov became the Bellator lightweight champion, achieving a unanimous victory over the Irishman Hughes in Dubai.

Paul Hughes suffered a serious eye injury after a controversial defeat

This time, again in the Coca-Cola arena, the Professional Fighters League title was at stake following the acquisition of Bellator. The fight lasted all five rounds. The judges gave a ridiculous score of 50-45, awarding Nurmagomedov a win in each round, as well as 49-46 and 48-47, and the Russian emerged victorious once again.

He said: “Okay, so you want to say this fight was also that close? I feel like I won every round. But it was a very tough fight, he was a very difficult opponent.”

“I’m not underestimating my brother this time. I think you’re underestimating me. Maybe you made a mistake. But anyway, big respect guys.”

“Glad to see you again, and thank you so much for the fight, Paul. Big respect.”

After an intense first five minutes, the fighters quickly got back to business. Hughes received a low blow for which Nurmagomedov was penalized in the previous fight, and this became a pivotal moment. Nurmagomedov started well in the first round thanks to jabs and a late takedown, but Hughes was able to respond.

Fight Progress

In the second round, Hughes, rising after a fall, began to apply pressure, landing knee strikes and hooks. The third round turned out to be very tense, with Nurmagomedov throwing and Hughes responding.

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In the fourth round, Hughes lay in agony on the floor after another illegal blow for which the champion faced no punishment. Nurmagomedov, a cousin of the legendary Khabib, tried but failed to finish the fight, although dominance was evident.

In the fifth and final round, Hughes trapped the exhausted Nurmagomedov in all corners of the cage. However, when the final bell rang, it seemed that Hughes knew the judges’ decision would not be in his favor.

With another controversial score, Hughes once again found himself overshadowed, despite all his efforts.

Declining the opportunity to thank his fans, Hughes said, holding his swollen right eye: “They tried to take me out!”

“I said I had to talk to my people for coming here. I want to thank everyone for coming to Dubai. Irish fans are really the best.”

“I’ll be back. Trust me, I’ll be back. And thanks to Usman and his team as well. So much respect.”

Khabib, who retired in 2020 with an undefeated UFC record of 29-0, experienced the most heated controversy with Irishman Conor McGregor. But he admitted: “First of all, I want to thank Paul. Thanks to this guy we worked so hard the last eight months.”

“You remember there was a tough fight here in January. But we prove how much we have improved, and today we show that he has even more age and time ahead of him.”

“He’s only 26-27 years old, and in five years his best shape is still ahead. Can you imagine?”

This fight further highlighted the importance of judges' decisions in the fighting world, as not only the results but also the performances of the fighters raise questions among fans. As it appears, the question of fairness in sports remains open, and future fights may bring clarity to the rankings and possibilities of both athletes.

Despite the controversies, Nurmagomedov demonstrates growing professional skills, while Hughes will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight in search of his victory in upcoming bouts.