Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes: Bellator title rematch confirmed for 3 October

Paul Hughes will face Usman Nurmagomedov in a highly anticipated Bellator lightweight world title rematch in Dubai on 3 October.

The fight will be the co-main event of the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai with Corey Anderson also taking on Dovlet Yagshimuradov for the PFL light heavyweight world title.

Nurmagomedov, 27, beat Hughes by majority decision in an enthralling but controversial title bout in January, with many sympathising with the Irishman calling the judging “pretty ridiculous”.

In the aftermath of what is considered one of the fights of the year, Nurmagomedov admitted he had “underestimated” Hughes.

Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib, extended his unbeaten record to 19-0 with the win over Hughes.

It was a second career defeat for Hughes, 28, who has since taken his record to 14-2 with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena in May.

After that victory, he again called for a rematch with Nurmagomedov and has now got his wish.