Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes will face off in a highly anticipated lightweight title clash at PFL Champions Series 3. It takes place today at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Nurmagomedov enters the main event aiming to capture the PFL lightweight championship. He previously defended the Bellator lightweight championship after PFL absorbed the promotion. A decisive win over his toughest challenge would be a major milestone for his resume in MMA.
Hughes, however, enters the fight with redemption on his mind. He lost the first fight by majority decision. The judges scored the bout 48-46, 48-48, and 47-47 in favor of Nurmagomedov.
Hughes bounced back quickly, earning a 1st round TKO over Bruno Miranda. He wasted no time calling out the Dagestani for a rematch. Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 is considered by many to be the biggest rematch in PFL history.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Nurmagomedov is the -225 favorite. A $20 wager on him to keep his undefeated record intact would yield a total payout of $28.89.
On the other hand, Hughes enters as a +188 underdog. Many believed he should have won their first fight.
If Hughes hands Nurmagomedov his first career loss to claim the PFL championship, a $20 wager would yield $57.60.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes 2: Method of Victory and Prop Betting Odds
Method of victory and prop bets are other lucrative markets for bettors to explore and wager money on. These options allow bettors to wager on when they believe the fight will end and how.
Nurmagomedov winning via decision is the most likely outcome, listed at +125. On the other hand, Hughes’ most probable path to victory is also a decision, at +330.
Oddsmakers believe the fight will go the distance, just like their first encounter. The odds for the fight going the distance is listed at -190, while the fight not going the distance is at +142.
Although fight may go the distance, both competitors are capable of ending the bout early. Nurmagomedov is most likely to win by submission, with odds of +480. Hughes, meanwhile, is most likely to win by KO/TKO, listed at +700.
Their first fight lived up to the hype, so fans can expect another main event. Bettors will have an opportunity to capitalize on methods of victory.
PFL Champions Series 3: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes Main Card Betting Odds
In addition to the rematch between Nurmagomedov and Hughes, PFL Champions Series 3 features several other intriguing matchups. Some of these bouts offer opportunities for upsets, making their current odds more appealing.
First, former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis faces Magomed Magomedov in a bantamweight clash. Pettis enters as a +205 underdog, while Magomedov, a former title challenger, is the -250 favorite.
Pettis bounced back from two consecutive losses with a unanimous decision win over Raufeon Stots. Magomedov also bounced back from his title loss to Patchy Mix, winning a unanimous decision against Savarjon Khamidov.
A PFL light heayweight champion will be crowned in the co-main event, as Corey Anderson faces Dovletzhan Yagshimuradov.
Anderson won their 2021 bout via 3rd round TKO, and enters as the -196 favorite. Yagshimuradov, the 2024 PFL light heavyweight tournament winner, is a +164 underdog.
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