Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals 'next goal' after rough night at UFC 311
01/21/2025 11:24 AM
UFC 311 was a mixed bag of success for team Khabib.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protégé, Islam Makhachev, surpassed ‘The Eagle’ in UFC achievements, securing a record fourth lightweight title defense. Umar Nurmagomedov was handed his first defeat at the hands of Merab Dvalishvili in the co-main event, and last but not least, Tagir Ulanbekov defended his ranking on the night’s opening prelim.
Nurmagomedov isn’t resting on his laurels, primarily since his cousin defends the Bellatorlightweight strap this weekend.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s next plan is to help Usman Nurmagomedov defend Bellator title
In a post on Instagram, Nurmagomedov announced that his next focus is on Usman Nurmagomedov.
“We are ready in Dubai and everything is ready,” Nurmagomedov wrote. “The next goal is to protect the [Bellator] belt. [Usman Nurmagomedov] now it’s your turn to prove who’s the best.”
Usman defends his lightweight Bellator title against Paul Hughes in the main event of PFL’s ‘Road to Dubai’ on Saturday, January 25. Dubbed ‘Russia vs. Ireland 2,’ Nurmagomedov-Hughes takes inspiration from the feud between Khabib and Conor McGregor.
Hughes is a legitimate challenge, unlike Makhachev’s short-notice defense against Renato Moicano. He’s beaten every man he’s faced in the cage and completely dominated former featherweight phenom AJ McKee Jr. on October 19. The fight was a contentious split decision.
What you need to know about PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai will be on European time. The event will begin at 10:30 AM ET, broadcast on DAZN.
Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes is the only title fight on the bill, but former light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov makes his second heavyweight appearance against MMA veteran Tim Johnson. The 11-fight card is as follows (subject to change).
- Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes; Lightweight title fight
- Vadim Nemkov vs. Tim Johnson; Heavyweight
- Nathan Kelly vs. Akhmed Magomedov; Featherweight
- Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Kenny Mokhonoana; Featherweight
- Renat Khavalov vs. Cleiver Fernandes; Featherweight
- Tarek Suleiman vs. Ahmed Sami; Middleweight
- Yakub Sulimanov vs. J. Al-Silawi; Welterweight
- Mirafzal Akhtamov vs. Mike Thompson; Lightweight
- Hadi Omar Al Hussaini vs. Ruel Panales; Flyweight
- John Mitchell vs. Souhil Tairi; Lightweight
- M. Rashed Neda vs. Haider Khan; Middleweight
