UFC

Usman Nurmagomedov Set To Defends Bellator Lightweight Title Against Paul Hughes In Dagestan vs Ireland 2 Battle On January 25th

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Paul Kelly
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Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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Published20 Nov 2024

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Usman Nurmagomedov is set to defend his Bellator Lightweight Title against Paul Hughes on January 25th in Dubai. Announced earlier today, the fight is being billed as Dagestan vs Ireland 2 after Conor McGregor’s bitter rivalry with cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov in the UFC.

Nurmagomedov vs Hughes Announced For Bellator Lightweight Title

Although the UFC is by far and away the biggest brand in MMA, millions of fans still tune in to watch both Bellator and the PFL. PFL’s acquisition of Bellator in 2023 has helped both brands grow, with millions of people tuning in on a regular basis to watch world class MMA.

January 25th will be one of those nights, as it has been confirmed today that Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his Bellator Lightweight Title against Irishman Paul Hughes. The fight is set for the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE in the new year in what is the first time in history MMA will be showcased in Dubai.

Usman Nurmagomedov has been nothing short of incredible in his MMA career so far. He boasts a perfect record of 18-0 (1 NC), and aims to defend his 155-pound world title belt for the third time against Ireland’s Paul Hughes.

Hughes was a huge underdog in has last fight with the best UFC betting sites in the UK against AJ McKee, but defied those odds by claiming the biggest win of his career, thus earning this shot for the Bellator Lightweight Title early next year.

The former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion will look to become the first man to defeat Usman Nurmagomedov in the MMA cage. Should he do so, he would undoubtedly break out as one of the biggest stars in all of MMA. However, he will have to defy his underdog tag with the best UK betting sites to do so.

Dagestan vs Ireland 2 Confirmed For January 25th

The confirmation of Nurmagomedov vs Hughes means that the Dagestan vs Ireland MMA rivalry will be re-ignited on January 25th. The PFL and Bellator are billing the fight as Dagestan vs Ireland 2, making reference to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s bitter rivalry with Conor McGregor in the UFC several years ago.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, Usman’s cousin, shared the octagon with the popular Irishman McGregor in Round 4 of their 155-pound title fight.

However, the pre-fight build-up was something else. The rivalry was fierce between the two mixed martial artists, with McGregor insulting Nurmagomedov’s religion on numerous occasions, as well as plenty of other crazy moments pre-fight.

Hence why this fight is being billed as part two of the Dagestan vs Ireland rivalry. That being said, there is no hatred this time around between Usman and Hughes, like there was between Khabib and Conor McGregor. At least for the meantime anyway!

MMA fans are in for a treat on January 25th, as Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes headlines at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai for the Bellator Lightweight Title. Time will tell how the fight plays out, but Dagestan vs Ireland 2 is now official!

Be sure to claim the various MMA betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of this Dagestan vs Ireland 2 contest in Dubai in 2025.

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Paul Kelly
Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

Get to know Paul Kelly better
Author photo
Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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