The 2025 PFL season kicked off on Saturday from the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arba Emirates. PFL Champions Series 1 featured lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov defending his gold vs. Paul Hughes live on MAX and DAZN.
Six brand new champions were crowned in six weight classes, with all being awarded $1 million. The event streamed on ESPN+ and also featured the PFL MENA Championships.
Related: 2025 PFL Schedule: Fight card, betting odds, watch times for PFL Season
Along with Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes, Vadim Nemkov and Timothy Johnson squared off in a heavyweight contest while two featherweight bouts and a bantamweight battle completed the main card.
Now, let’s get to the action!
Usman Nurmagomedov Defends Lightweight Title In Nail-Biter
Paul Hughes gave Usman Nurmagomedov everything he could handle and more in the main event of PFL Champions Series 1. When the scorecards were read, it was the champion Nurmagomedov coming out on top.
Even with a point deduction for a groin kick, Nurmagomedov pulled out the razor-close decision. He earned two 48-46s with the third judge calling it a draw. Cousin and former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was in the corner of Usman, who moved to 19-0 with the win.
Vadim Nemkov scored a first-round submission over Timothy Johnson in the co-main event. The former Bellator champion locked up a rear-naked choke to secure the victory.
Akhmed Magomedov, Ibragim Ibragimov and Renat Khavalov were all main card winners. Magomedov scored a finish, submitting Nathan Kelly. On the prelims, Ahmed Sami, Mirafzal Akhtamov, Hadi Omar Al Hussaini, John Mitchell and Haider Khan all picked up wins.
PFL Champions Series 1 Results
- Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via majority decision to remain lightweight champion
- Vadim Nemkov def. Timothy Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:08 of Round 1
- Akhmed Magomedov def. Nathan Kelly via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:22 of Round 2
- Ibragim Ibragimov def. Kenny Mokhonoana via unanimous decision
- Renat Khavalov def. Cleiver Fernandes via unanimous decision
- Ahmed Sami def. Tarek Suleiman via TKO (strikes) at 5:00 of Round 1
- Mirafzal Akhtamov def Mike Thompson via technical submission (arm-triangle choke) at 2:50 of Round 2
- Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def. Ruel Panales via unanimous decision
- John Mitchell def. Souhil Tahiri via unanimous decision
- Haider Khan def. Mostafa Rashed Nada via TKO (injury) at 3:18 of Round 1
