IRELAND’s Paul Hughes came up agonisingly short against Usman Nurmagomedov in the Bellator lightweight title fight at PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series.
The Irishman was on the wrong end of a controversial decision at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The Derry man solidified his status as number one contender after a career best scalp of AJ McKee in November.
The 27-year-old Lavey ace earned the biggest win of his career in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last year after defeating AJ McKee via decision.
But now ‘Big News’ is 13-2 in his MMA career as the scorecard went in favour of the unbeaten Dagestani champion.
But Hughes was incredible over the five rounds as he tested the resolve of the champion, who noticeably slowed over the 25 minutes.
Many had the fight scored in favour of the Derry native at the final bell but the judges saw otherwise.
Nurmagomedov got a takedown in the final round and threatened to dominate but Hughes showed his class in the scramble and finished the contest in dominant fashion, landing a number of blows.
One judge scored the bout 47-47, and the other two gave it 48-46 to Nurmagomedov.
The fight was the last ever Bellator MMA title, and now the promotion will surely have to rematch the pair for the inaugural 155 PFL MMA strap after a Fight of the Year contender in the UAE.
Hughes reflected on the fight, stating it unfolded as he had anticipated.
He said he thought that he’d done enough to win but admitted holding something back and regretted not pushing harder.
Hughes also stated that he felt an immediate rematch felt inevitable before calling for the rematch to take place in Belfast.
Usman shouted out Dubai before giving Paul Hughes credit.
He said: “Paul Hughes you are tough. I underestimated this guy.
“I think I jumped to next level because of him. He made me better.”
