Usman Nurmagomedov successfully retained his PFL lightweight world title in Dubai, but only after a razor-thin and contentious points decision victory over his fierce Irish rival, Paul Hughes.
The rematch, held eight months after their last bruising encounter at the same venue, was a heartbreaker for Hughes, who was left disappointed by the judging outcome.
Nurmagomedov, the Russian lightweight champion and cousin of former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, seemed eager to close the chapter on his rivalry with Hughes.
In the wake of the demanding title defence, Nurmagomedov wasted no time in confirming his next target, calling out Briton Alfie Davis.
The Russian asked, 'Who is the handsome guy from England, Alfie Davis?' before issuing a direct challenge: 'Anytime, anywhere, I am waiting for you.' Davis, 33, recently won the PFL's 2025 tournament as a major underdog, claiming the title and a substantial prize by defeating Gadzhi Rabadanov on points.
The Londoner's victory and the subsequent call-out from the champion appear to immediately place him at the front of the queue as the number one contender for the lightweight belt.
Meanwhile, Hughes, who is signed to a long-term deal with the PFL, has a host of options, including a potential fight against American Archie Coglhan, who had hoped his win on the undercard against New Zealander Jay Jay Wilson would secure him the next title shot.
2025-10-05 12:13:00
AFC Bournemouth secured a comeback victory against Leeds United, extending their unbeaten run, with Antoine Semenyo scoring a double and manager Andoni Iraola credited for an inspired tactical change.
2025-10-05 19:07:00
Lando Norris backed for maiden F1 title by first school in Somerset.
2025-10-05 18:55:00
Arne Slot faces fixes after Liverpool's ragged Champions League display against Galatasaray.
2025-10-05 18:42:00
Williams and Ferrari drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have been disqualified from the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying after their rear-wing elements were found to violate F1's technical regulations.
2025-10-05 18:01:00
Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is actively plotting his return to Formula 1, with an Aston Martin chief confirming Horner has contacted 'pretty much every team owner' in the paddock.
2025-10-05 17:56:00
Leeds United suffered their first home league defeat in over a year at Elland Road in a luckless match against Tottenham Hotspur, with both Spurs goals deflecting off defender Pascal Struijk.
2025-10-05 17:40:00
British number one Cameron Norrie battled through hot and humid conditions to defeat Cazaux, overcoming a 6-0 set defeat to secure his spot in the third round.
2025-10-05 17:31:00
George Russell secured pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, while F1 World Champion Max Verstappen was left furious at Lando Norris for affecting his qualifying run.
2025-10-05 16:26:00
Aston Martin’s chief has revealed that ousted Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is actively seeking a return to Formula One, contacting nearly every team owner.
2025-10-05 15:41:00
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard forced off vs West Ham with knee issue.
2025-10-05 14:11:00
George Russell claimed pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, but qualifying was marred by chaos, including a crash for Russell himself and a furious Max Verstappen who accused Lando Norris of affecting his final lap.
2025-10-05 13:42:00
Fulham's Josh King earns first England U21 call; Lewis, O'Reilly return.
2025-10-05 12:59:00
Jannik Sinner's coach unsurprised by US Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.
2025-10-05 12:37:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted that Max Verstappen’s unparalleled consistency makes him 'one of the best drivers ever' and nearly impossible to compete with.
2025-10-05 11:34:00
A feature profile of light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira delves into the UFC star’s unique mix of humble personality, tribal heritage, and intimidating in-cage persona.
2025-10-05 11:24:00
McLaren driver Lando Norris has admitted it is 'almost impossible' to be as good as his rival Max Verstappen, arguing the four-time world champion is 'at 99 per cent' even on a bad day.
2025-10-05 10:56:00
Tottenham Hotspur’s Archie Gray, who left Leeds United last summer, received an affectionate welcome on his return to Elland Road and showed his appreciation by applauding the home crowd after the match.
2025-10-05 10:27:00
Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0 to claim the top spot in the Premier League, but the win was marred by injury setbacks for key midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
2025-10-04 23:35:00
Daniel Farke proud of Leeds despite Tottenham loss; unlucky deflections.
2025-10-04 23:22:00
Rangers manager Russell Martin blames mentality for Europa League defeat to Sturm Graz, marking another loss in a poor run.
2025-10-04 23:03:00
Tottenham insider praises Archie Gray's progress post-Leeds exit.
2025-10-04 22:52:00
Former Leeds loanee Djed Spence disputes Daniel Farke's comments ahead of Tottenham return.
2025-10-04 22:13:00
George Russell takes Singapore pole; Verstappen accuses Norris of blocking.
2025-10-04 21:55:00
Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko score as Manchester United beat Sunderland 2-0.
2025-10-04 20:56:00
Red Bull has confirmed it is in discussions with Irish Formula Two driver Alex Dunne, a move that signals the team’s ongoing search for exciting new talent.
2025-10-04 20:03:00
Sunderland sheds top-flight failure tag with flying Premier League return, aided by Granit Xhaka's speeches.
2025-10-04 19:17:00
St Helens move past Leeds win, eye Hull KR semi-final.
2025-10-04 19:01:00
Premier League action sees Man United win, Arsenal top table, and Chelsea host Liverpool.
2025-10-04 18:36:00
Channel 4 will air the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race for the first time since 2009, as BBC scales back coverage.
2025-10-02 15:49:00
TalkSPORT presenter Ally McCoist challenged colleague Alan Brazil's assessment that Tottenham should easily beat Leeds United at Elland Road.
2025-10-02 15:03:00