Usman Nurmagomedov defeats bloodied Paul Hughes in FINAL Bellator title fight as Jake Paul fires dig at Conor McGregor
USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV put MMA’s most bitter of feuds to bed with victory over Paul Hughes in Dubai.
Seven years on from Conor McGregor’s loss to Nurmagomedov’s legendary cousin Khabib – Ireland once again took on Dagestan.
McGregor succumbed to a fourth-round submission defeat to Khabib in 2018 at UFC 229 – before a huge brawl broke out between the two camps.
But after Hughes took 19-0 Nurmagomedov the full five rounds in the UAE – it was nothing but respect.
Nurmagomedov, who retained his lightweight title in the FINAL-ever Bellator bout, said: “Paul Hughes, you are the man, brother.
“Brother, you are tough. Honestly, I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake.
“But still, undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.”
Hughes, now 13-2 and bloodied from a head clash, said: “I’m so gutted, I’m so disappointed. I really thought I won that one.
“I should have pushed harder. Next time, we’re going to fight again there’s no question. So much respect to Usman.
“I thought I won tonight but look, I probably left some in the tank. I need to give everything next time and I will.”
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YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul – signed to the Professional Fighters League who acquired Bellator – aimed a dig at McGregor.
He posted online: “Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do. Congrats my guy.
“You won regardless of the outcome. Big ups to both men.”
Hughes is eyeing a rematch back home in Northern Ireland after losing the majority decision.
He said: “I can’t wait to see what’s in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast. It has to be in Belfast.
“We’ve got to bring it back to Ireland, back for a homecoming for me I think I’ve earned this.”