NEW YORK (August 13, 2025) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a massive championship double-header for its return to the UAE, as two PFL World Title bouts will headline PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch on Friday, October 3, live from Coca-Cola Arena.
The biggest rematch in PFL history takes center stage in Dubai, as Dagestan’s undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19‑0, 1 NC) and Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14‑2) battle for the PFL Lightweight World Title in the main event.
In the co-main event, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) will face 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) for the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title.
In addition, three early card bouts have been confirmed, including a Heavyweight clash between former Iranian National Team wrestler Pouya Rahmani (4-0) and former Tunisian Olympic wrestler Slim Trabelsi (8-0), with both fighters looking to preserve their undefeated records.
A grudge match nearly seven years in the making is officially set, as Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) finally faces Artem Lobov (14-15-1) in Dubai. Originally booked to fight in 2018, the matchup was scrapped following the UFC 229 post-fight brawl and subsequent suspensions. On October 3, the two will finally settle their score inside the PFL SmartCage.
2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) of Egypt will fight 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) of Albania in a battle of two PFL Regional Tournament winners who are both in the midst of multi-fight unbeaten streaks. Additional main card and early card bouts will be announced shortly.
Fans can register now for the pre-sale to exclusively buy tickets on Thursday, 14 August at 4:00 pm GST via this link. The pre-sale will be available for registered fans before the general sale on Friday, 15 August at 12:00 pm GST via www.coca-cola-arena.com.
This event further cements Dubai’s evolving role as a global MMA hub. It’s made possible through PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Since its official launch in November 2024, the “Road to Dubai” campaign has brought a series of PFL global MMA events to the UAE, positioning the region as a centerpiece for elite combat sports. While the Road to Dubai Finale is scheduled for January, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale.
“PFL Champions Series on October 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “To have two PFL World Titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different. This is more than just a fight card, it’s a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform. Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport’s true capitals, and there’s no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history.”
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes – PFL Lightweight World Title
The pair first met this past January in the very venue where they’ll clash again this October, delivering an instant Fight of the Year contender. The event sold out Coca-Cola Arena, with fans travelling from Russia and Ireland, creating a charged atmosphere for an electric five-round battle. While Nurmagomedov emerged victorious, the outcome sparked fierce debate among fans, many of whom felt Hughes had done enough for the win, setting the stage for a can’t-miss rematch between two of the world’s most elite Lightweights.
Fueled by the loss, Hughes came roaring back with a statement win, electrifying fans this May with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda in front of a sold-out crowd in Belfast. After the fight, he made his intentions crystal clear: “Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run and delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is coming.”
Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov remains undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the most technically complete fighters in MMA. Competing in what many consider the sport’s toughest division, the 27-year-old champion’s resumé includes victories over elite opponents including former champions Patricky Pitbull and Benson Henderson, as well as Alexander Shabliy.
Corey Anderson vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov – PFL Light Heavyweight World Title
This Light Heavyweight World Title contest is also a rematch of their 2021 Bellator World Grand Prix Quarterfinal, where Corey Anderson earned a third-round finish over Yagshimuradov. Anderson went on to capture the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship and most recently handed 2024 PFL Heavyweight Champion Denis Goltsov his first loss in nearly two years, stopping him last month at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – Cape Town.
Meanwhile, the pride of Turkmenistan has been on a tear since that defeat, riding a dominant seven-fight win streak, a run capped by a victory over Impa Kasanganay to claim the 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Title. Now, on Friday, October 3, these two champions will meet once again to crown the new PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch Main Card:
Friday, Oct. 3
PFL Lightweight World Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (14-2)
PFL Light Heavyweight World Title Co-Main Event: Corey Anderson (19-6) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)
Early Card:
Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Pouya Rahmani (4-0) vs. Slim Trabelsi (8-0)
165-Pound Catchweight Bout: Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) vs. Artem Lobov (14-15-1)
Welterweight Showcase Bout: Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) vs. Florim Zendeli (10-1-1)
Ticketing information and broadcast details will be announced soon.
