Usman Nurmagomedov risks much in his first Professional Fighters League assignment.
The 26-year-old Russian will put his Bellator MMA lightweight crown and undefeated record on the line when he faces Paul Hughes in the PFL Champions Series 1 headliner on Saturday at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Nurmagomedov rose to power in Bellator with victories over Mike Hamel, Luis Muro, Patrik Pietila, Christopher Gonzalez, Patricky Freire and Benson Henderson. He last suited up at Bellator Champions Series 4, where he retained his 155-pound title with a five-round unanimous decision over Alexandr Shabliy on Sept.