Matches to Make After PFL ‘Road to Dubai’

The Professional Fighters League put on its first card of the year in the United Arab Emirates. Featuring a lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes, PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series was an important card for the mixed martial arts organization. Here’s what fans can expect in the months to come inside the PFL as the winners move on to even tougher challenges.

Here are five matches to make following PFL “Road to Dubai”.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov

The main event saw Nurmagomedov (19-0) stay undefeated by edging out a majority decision win over Hughes (13-2). It’s a successful PFL debut for Nurmagomedov, who is clearly the fighter to beat at lightweight in the promotion. Although I would like to see a rematch in the future, as it was an instant classic of a fight with Hughes showing plenty of heart, it also makes sense for him to take on Rabadanov next. The Russian fighter won the PFL 2024 lightweight championship by scoring a TKO over Brent Primus, so he should be next in line. Let’s not overcomplicate things and simply see the two best lightweights in the PFL fight for the belt, while giving Hughes a chance to pick up a win in the interim and earn a deserved rematch.

Vadim Nemkov vs. Denis Goltsov

Nemkov was able to submit Tim Johnson with a rear-naked choke in the main event and looked great. The former Bellator light heavyweight champion is a force at heavyweight, and it remains to be seen where he'll fight next. For the sake of this article, let's assume PFL is able to re-sign the 32-year-old fighter. If that happens, a fight against Goltsov, who claimed the PFL 2024 heavyweight championship, would make a lot of sense to determine who will fight Francis Ngannou next. The winner would be the undeniable top challenge for “The Predator” within the promotion.

Akhmed Magomedov vs. Brahyan Zurcher

Magomedov survived an early scare from Nathan Kelly to easily submit him with a rear-naked choke in the second round. This is the biggest win in the career of Magomedov (11-1), who is 28 years old. With the win, I'd like to see the Russian take on a dangerous striker next. The undefeated Zurcher fits the bill, as the 9-0 fighter has finished his last four fights via TKO. It'll be a good test for both prospects, with the winner emerging as a contender in the PFL.

Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Bubba Jenkins

Ibragimov easily outwrestled Kenny Mokhonoana over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision win. Having improved to 9-0 as a professional, "The Mauler" is one of the PFL’s most promising prospects at 145 pounds. I’d like to see the English fighter take on a veteran opponent next, such as Jenkins. The former Arizona State University standout has the wrestling to make the fight interesting, although a three-fight losing streak within the PFL has made it clear that his best days are behind him. It'd be a good passing of the guard fight to see if Ibragimov is ready for the next level of competition.

Renat Khavalov vs. Mahio Campanella

In the main card opener, Khavalov dominated Cleiver Fernandes over three rounds. Now 9-0 as a professional, the undefeated Russian is a prospect to watch at bantamweight. The PFL’s bantamweight division is still in its early days, so there aren’t a surplus of options. However, a fight against Campanella, who most recently picked up a win in PFL Europe, would make sense. At 7-1, the French fighter would offer another test for Khavalov, who has no reason to be in a rush at just 26 years old.