PFL returned to action Saturday with PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series, and MMA Junkie kept you covered with live and official results throughout the event.
PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series took place Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The card streamed on MAX and DAZN, beginning at 11 a.m ET.
In the main event, Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov put that former promotion’s title on the line under the PFL banner against challenger Paul Hughes. In the co-feature, former Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov returned to action against UFC veteran Tim Johnson in a heavyweight contest.
PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series results
- Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46) – for Bellator lightweight title
- Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3: 08
- Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4: 20
- Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ahmed Samy def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (referee stoppage) – Round 1, 5: 00
- Mirafzal Akhtamov def. Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm triangle) – Round 2, 2: 50
- Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
- John Mitchell def. Souhil Tairi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Haider Khan def. Mostafa Nada via TKO (injury) – Round 1, 3: 18
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes
Did anyone else jump out of their seat thinking it was a clean body shot finish? Tension is high. Round 1 continues….#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/wtHhMgCZO8— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Paul Hughes battles the takedown attempt throwing hands!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/fktkfkhAXI— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes go back and forth in the 3rd! Championship Rounds coming up…#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/b27DbuWw7b— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
TRADING JABS!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/dkhOICeJqF— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Result: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision (47-47, 48-46, 48-46)
Recap: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series results: Usman Nurmagomedov retains in early FOTY candidate vs. Paul Hughes
Photos: Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes at PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Best photos
Records: Nurmagomedov (19-0), Hughes (13-2)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: MAX
Referee: Mike Beltran
Tim Johnson vs. Vadim Nemkov
Dominant performance from Vadim Nemkov at Heavyweight!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/l2DccvOK04— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Result: Vadim Nemkov def. Tim Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3: 08
Recap: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series video: Vadim Nemkov makes quick work of Tim Johnson
Photos: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Best photos
Records: Johnson (18-11), Nemkov (19-2)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: MAX
Referee: Kerry Hatley
Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov
Akhmed Magomedov snaps Kelly’s win streak with the finish!#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/xrGSH1Fcpq— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Result: Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 4: 20
Photos: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Best photos
Records: Kelly (11-3), Akhmed Magomedov (11-1)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: MAX
Referee: Mike Beltran
Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Kenny Mokhonoana
Ibragim Ibragimov gets the W. The 20 year old improves to 9-0#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/rdB2g8kP6l— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Result: Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: Best photos
Records: Ibragimov (9-0), Mokhonoana (10-2)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: MAX
Referee: Mike Beltran
Cleiver Fernandes vs. Renat Khavalov
Khavalov lands a STIFF ELBOW#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW
🇺🇸 MAX
🇬🇧🇮🇪 DAZN
🇷🇺 OKKO pic.twitter.com/N1p73pbnfv— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 25, 2025
Result: Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos: