Usman Nurmagomedov admits Paul Hughes’ pre-fight accusation was accurate. He underestimated the Irishman ahead of their bout Saturday, but left the matchup with a completely different attitude.
In the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai main event, Nurmagomedov (19-0) defeated Hughes (13-2) by unanimous decision, but it was a battle. Nurmagomedov sees the experience as one he can learn from.
“To be honest, it was great fight for me,” Nurmagomedov said backstage after the event. “I go to the depths of the ocean. I know what I can do for the next time. I little underestimated this guy. That was a mistake, but whatever. Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, no matter what. Of course, I’m human like everyone, every sportsman. I have some weaknesses. I have some strong ways, like strong sides. I’m not someone who cannot never lose. But in my mind, I’m never going to lose. Inshallah.
“Five rounds, I was thinking only how to finish him. Every round, I was following the goal to go finish him. I think this is my biggest mistake. For Allah, Alhamdulillah, I think it was a good fight, for the fans, first of all, and for me, too.”
As Nurmagomedov spoke, he processed the loss in real time, all the while sucking copious amounts of wind. The effects of the 25 minute fight were obvious. While there’s still much thinking and analyzing to do, Nurmagomedov said the decision not to travel to the United States to train with his main crew in the bout’s lead-up probably played a major role.
“I was without my team,” Nurmagomedov said. “I prepared for my fight without my team, without Khabib, without Islam, without my brother Umar, without Gadzhi. I was in the gym in Dagestan and I was alone.”
As for what’s next, Nurmagomedov didn’t name what he wants. The suggestion of an immediate rematch, however, did not excite him. If Hughes wants another crack, he need to earn it, said Nurmagomedov.
“No, he have to earn with a couple two, three, four fights in (PFL),” Nurmagomedov said. “He had only two fights and they gave him title shot. But Paul Hughes, this is all my respect to this guy. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 percent chance to take this belt. Then, we can talk rematches.”
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