Post-Mortem: PFL ‘Road to Dubai’

In the Professional Fighters League’s first event of 2025, the marquee narrative was a battle of Ireland vs Dagestan fighters. All the way through the main event, Dagestan reigned supreme. With several fighters featured from Russian territories, the PFL saw fighters such as Ibragim Ibragimov, Vadim Nemkov and Bellator MMA lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov, who retained his title against Paul Hughes in an instant classic mixed martial arts bout.

Instantly crediting Hughes following his win after admitting he underestimated him, Nurmagomedov capped off an incredible night for Russia, particularly Dagestan, which has a vice-grip hold atop PFL in several weight classes.

When he signed with the organization Hughes made it known that he was on a championship path, and at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai he proved that he was very much championship worthy in what was a fitting launch point for the league to kick off its 2025 campaign.

Although he sounded dejected and disappointed in his post-fight interview, Hughes walked away not only with more fanfare, but established himself as one of the best fighters in the lightweight division.

It was the best possible outcome in a loss for Hughes, who not only gave an excellent account of himself, but proved the promotion correct in their belief in the rising Irish superstar.

Moving forward the PFL, once known for their season style format, will introduce a new tournament structure that will be featured during their events. During Saturday’s card there was a commercial that highlighted the phrase “One Shot,” showcasing the one loss stipulation that will now be in their Grand Prix style as opposed to points awarded based on performance and method of winning.

The organization has promised more events and while they’ll still have the international leagues with PFL MENA, PFL Europe and soon to come PFL Africa, the focus turns to how their global league will move forward.

Eight different weight classes will see their own tournaments and winners, but the new structure will also allow the opportunity for fighters to create their own brand along the way. Building themselves up through winning performances and no longer on points will be critical to the success of the new format with the PFL.