For as much as there has been to criticize the PFL over the past 12 months as the promotion continues to make claims of where it stands as the co-leader in global MMA, Saturday's main event of the inaugural PFL Champions Series in Dubai is a must-see event.

PFL heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou reveals the moment that Paul Hughes ‘gained his respect’ ahead of Big News’ lightweight title fight.

“Brother, nobody knows who is Paul Hughes,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “He can talk something only because he wants to promote himself. PFL gave him this title shot only because he’s from Ireland, and they want to promote Ireland vs. Dagestan – something like that.

The bout between Dagestani fighter Usman Nurmagomedov, the Bellator lightweight world champion who is 18-0 so far, and Ireland's Paul Hughes will be the top attraction of the Road to Dubai Champions Series, organised by the Professional Fighters League (PFL), at the Coco Cola Arena in Dubai on Saturday (January 25).

Usman Nurmagomedov is the centre of attention amid 19 other fighters in the PFL’s inaugural Road to Dubai Champions Series slated for Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena. There are good reasons for him to hog the limelight.

MMA KO’s Drew Beaupré spoke with Paul Hughes before he challenged the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov at PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series.

Paul Hughes said he is happy to be tagged as the underdog against the undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov ahead of their title clash in Dubai. At stake for the Irishman is the PFL world lightweight title belt in the landmark 10-fight card in the inaugural Road to Dubai Champions Series at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday.

Paul Hughes takes on Usman Nurmagomedov on Saturday night for the Bellator lightweight title, and the pair engaged in a frosty face-off in Dubai ahead of the fight