Usman Nurmagomedov proved he was the real deal by dropping and submitting ex-UFC champion
01/24/2025 03:26 PM
Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov’s first title defense featured quick work of a UFC legend.
Usman Nurmagomedov will face arguably the toughest test of his career against Paul Hughes this Saturday at PFL Champions Series: Dubai. He returns to the cage for the first time since outpointing Alexandr Shabliy by unanimous decision in September.
Usman, the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, has proven to be a destructive force through 19 career fights. If he gets past Hughes this weekend, a move to the UFC could potentially be on the horizon.
After capturing the Bellator lightweight title by pitching a shutout against Patricky Pitbull at Bellator 288, Nurmagomedov squared off with former UFC titleholder Benson Henderson to kick off the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. It took Nurmagomedov mere minutes to prove he was levels above the once elite lightweight Henderson.
Usman Nurmagomedov’s early head kick led to nasty submission of Benson Henderson
Nurmagomedov began the fight by damaging Henderson with nasty kicks to the body. About 30 seconds into the first round, Nurmagomedov dropped Henderson with a high kick, before landing ground-and-pound and controlling the former UFC champ’s back.
Henderson managed to defend Nurmagomedov’s initial submission attempts well, despite suffering heavy damage from the head kick. But as Nurmagomedov had Henderson’s back and had him flattened out, he sunk in a nasty rear-naked choke to successfully retain the lightweight title.
After the loss to Nurmagomedov, Henderson announced his MMA retirement after a historic career that included a UFC lightweight title reign. As for Nurmagomedov, it was a significant accolade to add to his building resume as he continues to move up the lightweight ranks.
Nurmagomedov is the latest in a slew of Dagestani talent from Team Khabib. A potential obstacle in his UFC aspirations could be the current UFC title reign of Islam Makhachev, his teammate, but Makhachev could potentially move up in weight to open the door for Nurmagomedov.
UFC move could be around the corner for Usman Nurmagomedov
Nurmagomedov’s incredible striking skillset makes him a matchup nightmare for his opponents. Similar to his teammate Makhachev, he not only has a relentless grappling toolbox, but devastating technique and power on the feet.
In the meantime, Nurmagomedov has a formidable test on his radar as he prepares to face the Irish star Hughes this weekend in Dubai. Since suffering his first-career loss at Cage Warriors 119, Hughes is on a seven-fight winning streak, including a recent victory over former Bellator titleholder AJ McKee.
As Nurmagomedov said goodbye to a UFC legend, he reigned in a new era of lightweight greatness. If he’s victorious this weekend against Hughes, Nurmagomedov could potentially get a call from the UFC brass.
