The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest-growing and most innovative sports league, held its official weigh-ins for the highly anticipated Road to Dubai Champions Series. The event is set to take place on Saturday, January 25th, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, and will air live on MAX in the U.S. and DAZN in the UK and Ireland.
The main event features reigning Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) of Russia defending his title against Ireland’s rising star Paul “Big News” Hughes (13-1). Both fighters successfully made weight, with Nurmagomedov coming in at 154.9 pounds and Hughes at 155 pounds.
In the heavyweight co-main event, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Vadim Nemkov (18-2, 1NC) of Russia takes on the U.S.’s Tim Johnson (18-10). Nemkov weighed in at 242.4 pounds, while Johnson tipped the scales at 264.2 pounds, setting the stage for a heavyweight showdown.
The stacked card also includes a featherweight bout between Akhmed Magomedov (145.7 pounds) of Russia and Nathan Kelly (145.6 pounds) of Ireland. Meanwhile, undefeated Dagestani Ibragim Ibragimov (8-0) will face Kenny Mokhonoana (5-1) in a catchweight bout at 147 pounds after Mokhonoana missed the featherweight limit.
The preliminary card features notable matchups, including a middleweight clash between Mostafa Nada and Haider Khan and a flyweight showdown between Hadi Omar Al Hussaini and Ruel Panales.
With fighters from around the globe, the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series promises an action-packed night, blending elite talent and high stakes. Don’t miss the live broadcast starting at 11 AM ET / 4 PM GMT / 8 PM GST!
Complete Main Card Weigh-In Results:
- Lightweight Championship: Usman Nurmagomedov (154.9 lbs.) vs. Paul Hughes (155 lbs.)
- Heavyweight Bout: Vadim Nemkov (242.4 lbs.) vs. Tim Johnson (264.2 lbs.)
- Featherweight Bout: Akhmed Magomedov (145.7 lbs.) vs. Nathan Kelly (145.6 lbs.)
- Catchweight Bout: Ibragim Ibragimov (146 lbs.) vs. Kenny Mokhonoana (147 lbs.)
The Barn 