Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2: Usman Nurmagomedov defeats Paul Hughes on points in rematch
Usman Nurmagomedov broke the heart of Irishman Paul Hughes with another contentious points win to retain his PFL lightweight world title on Friday in Dubai. Eight months after Nurmagomedov was cast as a lucky winner at the same venue, the Russian was again a narrow victor in the rematch as Hughes produced a brilliant performance over five rounds. The scorecards did not reflect a close battle as the judges saw it 50-45, 49-46 and 48-47 for Nurmagomedov. “You want to say this fight was close too? I feel I won every round, but it was a very tough fight with tough opponent. I did not underestimate him, I think he underestimated me,” Nurmagomedov said. Hughes, 28, fought expertly at close range and was a clear winner of rounds two and three, keeping his cool when Nurmagomedov headbutted him after the bell at the end of the first round. The Irishman was hit with several low blows in round one and four which appeared to slow his progress and were rounds that Nurmagomedov pocketed. But Hughes recovered each time and rocked Nurmagomedov on several occasions including with a superb kick and body shot combination in the third and a big right hand in the closing stages. With Hughes mixing his striking, landing knees and short right-handed punches, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, the cousin of Usman, could be heard screaming at top volume for Usman to respond. Khabib’s appeals appeared to fall on deaf ears as Usman elected to showboat during spells of the fight.
Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes 2 live: Fight result as score creates major controversy among fans
UFC- Khabib Nurmagomedov apologies for post-fight melee after defeating Conor McGregor One of the most-anticipated fights of the year takes place tonight, as Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov clash over the PFL lightweight title for the second time. In January, Nurmagomedov – a cousin of UFC legend Khabib – retained the belt with a narrow decision win over Hughes, who immediately turned his attention to a rematch. With Nurmagomedov out of action, Hughes opted to return to the cage in May and stopped Bruno Miranda in the first minute, on home soil in Belfast, no less. That set up the Northern Irishman, who also carries the Irish Tricolour flag, for a rematch with Nurmagomedov this weekend, as the rivals return to Dubai. It was there that Russia’s Nurmagomedov, 27, won a majority decision against “Big News”, 28, despite being docked a point for repeated low blows. A clash of heads was another element to the drama of the thrilling clash, which has fans excited for tonight’s main event. “ I think whenever you fight somebody, especially over five rounds, you garner a certain level of respect,” Hughes told The Independent this week, playing down the echoes of Khabib vs Conor McGregor. “I really respect him,” Usman added. “I respect his skills. He’s a good fighter – the first time, I underestimated him.” Follow live updates and results from Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 2, below. Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live The moment the result was announced Alex Pattle3 October 2025 23:00 MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN! Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:57 MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN! For what it’s worth, The Independent scored the fight 48-47 to Usman, but the same score for Hughes is also valid. 50-45 to Usman is inconceivable. 40-46 to Usman is also poor. Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:53 MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN! Usman: “I felt I won every round, but it was a very tough fight. “I didn’t underestimate you this time; I think maybe you underestimated me?” he adds with a smile. Hughes smiles back and shakes his head. “Thank you so much for the fight, Paul.” Hughes: “I wanna thank everybody so much for travelling all the way to Dubai. “They were telling me I wasn’t getting a post-fight interview, but I had to come over here to thank you. “I will be back, trust me, I will be back. And thank you Usman and his team as well – so much respect.” Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:38 MAJOR CONTROVERSY AS USMAN BEATS HUGHES AGAIN! Usman Nurmagomedov def. Paul Hughes via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47) Hughes knew from the moment he heard “50-45” that it was not going his way. That particular score is too wide, for sure, but we had Usman winning. That said, MMA fans and journalists are going WILD about the scoring online right now… Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:34 Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round five Blood from the head clash drips down Usman’s cheek. Nice jabbing from Usman, who looks to keep Hughes at bay. Now a takedown from the champ, who is clinging on to Hughes for dear life, with 30 seconds left. It’s another close round, so could that be decisive? Hughes gets free and stands, anyway! And the buzzer sounds. There could be varied scorecards here. We could see anything from 3-2 to Usman to 3-2 to Hughes. Genuinely, only the first round was clear – and it was Usman’s. Hughes looks annoyed at himself. Usman raises the challenger’s hand. Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:30 Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round five Final round! Usman looks fresher than Hughes. It could be 3-1 in the Russian’s favour, or it could be 2-2… Hughes presses forward, Usman kicks low. The champ accuses Hughes of leading with his head. Hook and jab land for Usman. Oh! A jab by Hughes drops Usman to a knee! But Usman gets a high crotch and tries to dump down Hughes, who walks in a handstand to escape! A bizarre but fun fight, this. The crowd is at a fever pitch now. Three minutes to go, which could decide the outcome… Another good jab by Hughes, then a slapping hook from Usman. Hughes buries a hook into the ribs of the champion. Two minutes left. “Hunt him down, Paul!” comes an Irish voice from outside the cage. Hughes with a knee at close range; Usman with a clean right cross upstairs. Hughes lands, but again Usman complains of a clash of heads, and the ref pauses the action. That head clash cut Usman. Very similar to the first fight, this one has had a head clash AND multiple low blows. One minute left on the clock, FYI. Alex Pattle3 October 2025 22:28 Paul Hughes vs Usman Nurmagomedov 2 live: Round four Into the championship rounds, and Hughes immediately hits the canvas in a heap from a low blow by Usman! Just as in the first fight, Usman has landed at least two so far. Again, though, Hughes seemed to dip into it, in Usman’s defence. Hughes is lying flat on his stomach by the fence. He has five minutes to recover. Now he’s back up, and the round will resume. Some hesitance from Hughes in a striking exchange, and Usman pounces with a trip – before rapidly taking the back. Hughes is against the cage wall, and he does well to get free! Body kick by Hughes. Low kick by Usman. Another rear body lock from Usman, but again Hughes shakes him off! Good cross by Usman, though, in the stand-up. Hughes’s eyes are showing swelling. He has Usman frozen in front of him, with the Russian’s back to the cage, but doesn’t act! Lovely timing on a straight punch from Usman, who is southpaw for now. In his corner, UFC star Islam Makhachev and UFC legend Khabib are shouting instructions. Another close round, to be fair. Some barking between the
Overseas stars dominate Fiji Bati squad – FBC News
Fiji National Rugby League chair Akuila Masi has defended the selection of the Vodafone Fiji Bati squad for the upcoming Pacific Championships, where only one local-based player, Keresi Maya, has earned a place among a team dominated by seasoned NRL and overseas professionals. The absence of a strong domestic representation has raised questions about the future pathway for local talent, especially given the lack of a full domestic competition this season. Masi stresses that while more than 1,000 players are registered locally, the final call on selections rests with the coaching staff, most of whom are based in Australia. Article continues after advertisement “The way the team is selected is compiled by our national coach together with the coaching team. They assess skill sets, fitness levels and combinations, and ultimately, they are the ones accountable for the team’s performance.” He acknowledges that the traditional “Battle of the Bati” trial match, which pits local players against overseas-based talent, could not be staged this year but revealed plans to revive it in 2026 to provide a fairer selection platform. Masi adds that the board will review the selection framework after the Pacific Championships, with an eye toward giving more opportunities for locally produced talent. Meanwhile, the final 20 Fiji Bati squad will be named next week. Fiji Bati will meet Cook Islands Aitu on the 18th of this month at the Santos National Football Stadium. The two teams last met at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last year, where the Bati thrashed the Aitu 56-6. On the 1st of next month they meet the Papua New Guinea Kumuls. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Alfred Dunhill Links: Robert MacIntyre sparkles in brutal conditions to share lead
The world number nine, who started on the 10th tee, collected birdies on the 11th, 12th and 14th holes and was equally impressive after the turn, with the sole blemish to his card arriving on the second during a run of three birdies in five holes. “It was almost a perfect round of golf, especially once the weather came in, just a lovely round,” said MacIntyre, 29. “It’s difficult when it gets this windy. It’s hard to hit the ball good with the wind. “So I was having to try to fight the wind on certain holes and wasn’t comfortable – but I made some beautiful shots.” Meanwhile, England’s Nathan Kimsey made nine successive birdies at the Old Course to write his name into the DP World Tour record books, becoming only the third player to achieve the feat after Matt Wallace two years ago and Australian James Nitties in 2019. The 32-year-old, who ended the day on five under after a 68, started his stunning streak on the second hole after a par at the first. Almost a third of the 168-man field will complete their second rounds from 08:00 BST on Saturday, with the third round scheduled to get under way at 12:30 with a shotgun start. With a total prize fund of $5m (£3.7m), the first prize for winning the professional event is $800,000 (£594,000), while the team championship, which has attracted a host of stars from other sports as well as from television and films, offers a $50,000 (£37,000) cheque to the winning pair.
Manny Pacquiao: Fighters who turned to promoting as Filipino icon eyes US takeover
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Manny Pacquiao announced this week that his promotional company will be launching in America later this year. Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) is due to host its first US show next month, with multiple world title fights expected to be on the card. The Filipino icon is stepping up his presence as a promoter while also continuing his in-ring comeback after returning from a four-year layoff in July to draw with WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. It is understood Pacquiao is close to finalising another world title shot against Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero, but that has not stopped him from focusing on other ventures as well. He is far from the only high-profile fighter to turn their hand to promoting. But how have the others fared? Here, we pick out six figures in the boxing world who have tried promoting following on from their success between the ropes. Subscribe to DAZN now to watch over 185 fights a year open image in gallery (Getty Images) Floyd Mayweather Mayweather Promotions was founded in 2007 as the American superstar opted to take more control of his career. It proved to be a smart move for Floyd Mayweather as he was involved in some of the most lucrative fights in history, including against Pacquiao and Conor McGregor. Mayweather was also able to entice some top talent over to his stable of fighters. Gervonta Davis was the standout name on Mayweather’s books as he won multiple world titles after signing with Mayweather Promotions when he turned professional. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Enjoy 185+ fights a year on DAZN, the Global Home of Boxing Never miss a fight from top promoters. Watch on your devices anywhere, anytime. Buy Now ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. However, Mayweather and Davis had multiple public clashes, and they eventually went their separate ways in 2022. Former world champion Jessie Vargas also fought under the Mayweather Promotions banner, as did current British cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley. Mayweather is now looking to navigate the career of his latest protégé, Curmel Moton. Moton is still only 19 years old but has won his first eight professional bouts and is tipped to go right to the top of the sport under Mayweather’s guidance. open image in gallery Floyd Mayweather speaks with Gervonta Davis (PA) Ricky Hatton Ricky Hatton sadly passed away last month, but not before making a huge impact in boxing as a fighter and promoter. He launched Hatton Promotions in early 2009 ahead of his super-fight with Pacquiao and looked to sign some of the best upcoming talent in Britain. World title challenger Martin Murray signed a deal with Hatton, while 2008 Olympian Joe Murray – no relation to Martin – also joined the ranks. Hatton also worked closely with his fighters as a trainer and was able to help two of them to world titles. Heavyweight star Lucas Browne won the WBA (Regular) belt in 2016, while Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov picked up the WBA bantamweight title with Hatton in his corner the following year. open image in gallery Hatton set up his promotional company shortly before fighting Pacquiao (Barry Coombs/PA) (PA Archive) David Haye David Haye let his fists do the talking inside the ring, winning world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight. But he also knew how to promote himself, so it was no surprise when he set up Hayemaker Promotions in 2008. Haye brought George Groves on board, who went on to win a super-middleweight world title, while he also got a deal over the line for Olympic medallist David Price. Ryan Rhodes, who fought Canelo Alvarez in 2011, signed a deal with Haye as well. Joe Joyce, a silver medallist from the 2016 Olympics, was also happy to have his early professional career guided by Haye as he moved his way up the heavyweight rankings. open image in gallery David Haye quit boxing for good in 2018 (Adam Davy/PA) (PA Archive) Amir Khan Amir Khan has only moved into promoting recently but is determined to make a splash after hanging up his gloves three years ago. The former unified super-lightweight world champion has targeted putting on major fights in Africa after launching Amir Khan Promotions. He staged a show in Ghana in June, before putting on another event in Nigeria earlier this week. The card in Lagos was topped by cruiserweight contenders Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne, while British light-heavyweight star Dan Azeez also picked up a win. Khan told The Ariel Helwani Show this week that he wants fighters to learn from the mistakes he made in his own career. He has made a solid start to his promotional career, but has not ruled out returning to the ring
Dolokoto, Tuwai and Tamani starts for Suva – FBC News
The final Inkk Farebrother Challenge tomorrow between FMF Suva and Naitasiri at Naluwai ground is shaping up to be one of the best after the capital city side finalized its 23 men for the clash. Fijian Drua reps Mesulame Dolokoto and Isoa Tuwai are in the starting lineup while Fiji 7s star, Terio Tamani, will wear the number nine jersey. Season campaigners Enele Malele and Watisoni Sevutia starts at 10 and 12 respectively. Article continues after advertisement Sevutia will line up against former France international, Virimi Vakatawa. Isileli Fa and Inoke Ravuiwasa joins Dolokoto up front with Apolosi Tora and Nemani Sarasau at locks. Samisoni Seruvatu retains the number seven jumper and captain Mosese Naiova at eight. Sevuloni Lutu comes in at outside center while the back three are Sakiusa Nareki, Paul Dolokoto and Ponipate Tuberi. Fiji 7s reps Sakiusa Siqila and Tira Welagi are on the bench with Lino Vasuinadi, Mataiasi Tuisireli, Isikeli Lumelume, Kinijioji Taukeisalili and Joji Vusoniyasi. Naitasiri hosts Suva at 3pm tomorrow in Naluwai and you can watch it LIVE on FBC 2 while the Marama Cup at 11am airs on FBC TV. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
Will previous calls sway Rangers as Martin pressure mounts?
Reflecting back on Van Bronckhorst’s demise, a large part of the support wanted him gone too, just not with the same ferocity Martin is experiencing. How many might welcome him back now, or wish to go back to a time when European finals seemed achievable? The Dutchman’s credentials clearly are valued by English Premier League-winning Liverpool boss Arne Slot, no less, who appointed him as assistant manager at Anfield this summer after a short-lived tenure at Besiktas. High points under him, though, were balanced by uninspiring domestic displays and a failure to retain the long-awaited Scottish title that Steven Gerrard delivered. A bruising Champions League campaign added to their woes, but, in truth, Rangers were ill-equipped to compete on that stage at that time and the financial boost was most welcome. Former Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson suggested on the Scottish Football Podcast: “Things start to spiral and we’re getting to that point now where the negativity towards the manager is definitely having an effect on the players – there’s no doubt about that. “The only way to turn that is to win football matches. I don’t know if they’ve got the squad to win six, seven, eight in a row, but that’s the only way they’ll turn it. “It looks like Russell Martin has taken as much pressure as he can on himself to try and get it away from the players. “But I think at the moment it’s coming back on the players as well now because it’s got to quite an extreme stage.” What Martin and the board are contending with are previously unseen levels of negativity, though. There’s an all-consuming crescendo of ill will stretching far and wide across the support. Until now, those in charge have held firm, although the growing sentiment over the past weeks is that even an extended run of favourable results will not influence a support seemingly not for turning. Might McCoist’s point add weight to the idea that sticking with Martin may bear longer-term fruits, despite the lack of evidence to support that right now? We’ll soon find out.
Enzo Maresca empathises with Liverpool’s grieving of Diogo Jota: ‘I went through the same’
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more Enzo Maresca has drawn on his personal trauma surrounding footballing tragedy to empathise with Liverpool’s players as they continue to grieve the loss of Diogo Jota. The forward died in July at the age of 28 following a car accident, just weeks after he had helped the team to the Premier League title. Arne Slot’s side lead the way this season after six matches and the Chelsea head coach, who suffered a similar tragedy in 2007 when Sevilla teammate Antonio Puerta died suddenly, believes the Reds’ performances have been the more remarkable for what they are going through. “I don’t think it’s better to play them now just because they’ve dropped points,” said Maresca, whose side face the champions at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. “It’s always a tough game. The way they’re doing this season is fantastic, especially after the Jota tragedy. open image in gallery Liverpool manager Arne Slot (centre) stood during a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota (Peter Byrne/PA) (PA Wire) “I went through exactly the same when I was a player 20 years ago. It’s not easy for the players, it’s not easy for the club or the manager. When you arrive at the training ground and see every day that place empty. You have to be very strong. “This is the reason why, for me, they’re doing better than good because they are trying to deal with a problem that is not easy.” Spain international Puerta died three days after collapsing on the pitch during a LaLiga match between Sevilla and Getafe, with Maresca on the field at the time. The cause of death was recorded as cardiac arrest caused by a hereditary heart condition. open image in gallery Maresca suffered a similar tragedy in 2007 when Sevilla team-mate Antonio Puerta died suddenly (PA Wire) Liverpool are looking to return to winning ways in west London after losing their unbeaten record against Crystal Palace last weekend. They will face a Chelsea side still without Cole Palmer, who Maresca hoped will be back after the international break, though the exciting 18-year-old winger Estevao Willian could step in. The Brazil international has been used sparingly since arriving in the summer whilst he acclimatises to English football. “Estevao reminds me of Cole when he was with me for the Under-23s at (Manchester) City,” said Maresca. “I think Cole’s path has been similar to Estevao’s in terms of starting as a winger and then slowly you can move inside. “The Premier League is completely different. If you want to play in the middle you need to be prepared physically. Cole now is like that, and I see Estevao exactly the same way.” PA
Women’s Cricket World Cup: England won’t ‘get carried away’ with big South Africa win – Linsey Smith
Linsey Smith says England won’t allow themselves to become complacent following their emphatic 10-wicket win over South Africa in their opening game of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. MATCH REPORT: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup – England v South Africa Available to UK users only.
Major $10,000 deal powers Tailevu Rugby – FBC News
[Source: File Photo] The Tailevu Rugby Union has secured a major boost after confirming a $10,000 sponsorship from Standard Concrete Industries and its premium brand Humes. The deal will see the Union officially compete under the name Standard Concrete Tailevu Rugby Football Union for the remainder of the 2025 Skipper Cup and Marama Cup competitions. The men’s senior team under-20s will run as the Standard Concrete Tailevu while the women’s side will be known as Humes Tailevu. Article continues after advertisement TRFU president Joseph Rodan Snr says the partnership is more than just financial support, but a foundation for long-term growth. “This partnership empowers us to invest in grassroots rugby, nurture the talents of young men and women, and create structured career pathways that align with our 2025–2030 Business Plan. It is about building champions on and off the field for the province of Tailevu and Fiji at large.” Standard Concrete, a division of Basic Industries (Pte) Limited, is Fiji’s leading supplier of precast and concrete solutions. The sponsorship will directly support TRFU’s business plan, which places strong emphasis on grassroots development, pathways for players, coaches and referees and greater opportunities for women in rugby. Meanwhile, Lautoka will host Tailevu at Churchill Park tomorrow. The Under 20’s will meet at 1pm while the main game is scheduled for 3pm. In other matches, Macuata will go against Malolo at Subrails Park, Labasa. Ba and Vatukoula will clash at Garvey Park in Tavua. Nadroga will host Nadi at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka while Naitasiri will host Suva at Naluwai Ground in Naitasiri at 3pm tomorrow. Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.