Nurmagomedov v Hughes 2 - big-fight predictions

Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes 2

Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Date: Friday, 3 October

Coverage: Follow live text commentary of Nurmagomedov v Hughes 2 from 20:00 BST on Friday, 3 October on BBC Sport website and app

Irishman Paul Hughes seeks revenge against Usman Nurmagomedov on Friday in Abu Dhabi.

Hughes, 28, is challenging Nurmagomedov for the PFL lightweight title eight months after he was beaten by the Russian.

Nurmagomedov edged Hughes on points in a closely fought battle which could have gone either way.

Can Hughes become the first fighter to beat 27-year-old Nurmagomedov? BBC Sport asks fighters and pundits for their predictions.

Carl Frampton - two-weight boxing world champion

"I think Paul can win this one. I felt he did enough to win the first fight but the head clash was a big moment. He came off worse but it happened at a time when Nurmagomedov needed a rest and he used all of his experience to take a break, which benefited him. Paul will be right up for this and should be the favourite because of what happened last time. I'm backing him to become Ireland's latest world champion."

Prediction: Hughes

Alfie Davis - PFL 2025 lightweight tournament-winner

"My prediction is that Hughes is going to get the job done this time. I feel he's been more active than Nurmagomedov of late, and I feel he just wants it more. So I'm going to go with the underdog Paul Hughes by a decision victory."

Prediction: Hughes

Savannah Marshall - two-weight boxing world champion

"What an absolute cracker that first fight was. I'm really excited for the second one. I just think everything Paul Hughes had, Usman Nurmagomedov had an answer for. So for this second one, I'm going for the same result but I think it will be a lot more decisive than the first one."

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

Dan Hardy - PFL analyst and former UFC welterweight

"I'm kind of leaning towards a decision for Usman again. I feel he will have recalibrated, he knows what he's up against now and it will take Paul to do something even better than last time to get him the win. I've had conversations all week about it and it's crazy how divided the opinion is. I've had high level fighters come up to me and tell me Paul's going to surprise everyone, but I'm leaning towards Usman. But I'm always open to being surprised by Paul and he keeps surprising me, so we'll see what happens."

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

Costello van Steenis - PFL middleweight champion

"I believe Paul Hughes is going to get the win. He looks fitter than ever, he looks hungrier than ever and he knows what it is to lose against Usman. So I don't think he's going to make the same mistakes. Maybe I'm totally wrong, we'll see, but it's going to be a great fight to watch - so grab your popcorn and enjoy the night."

Prediction: Hughes

Michael Conlan - professional boxer

"It's a very hard fight to call. It was a great first fight and I think Paul should have got the decision. This one, Nurmagomedov will be be much more respectful for the ability of Paul and will have trained much harder, but I do believe this will be a Paul Hughes victory, either on points or with a late stoppage."

Prediction: Hughes

Liz Carmouche - PFL 2025 flyweight tournament-winner

"I'm going to have to go for Paul. I think after the first exchange, even though the decision went for Usman, one of the things he showed was he was able to push Usman into deep waters as far as his conditioning goes. He was able to utilise anti-wrestling successfully, he pushed striking and really pushed Usman. I think he will capitalise in the rematch."

Prediction: Hughes

Thad Jean - PFL 2025 welterweight tournament-winner

"I say Usman pulls it off with a unanimous decision. Hughes gets really aggressive but Usman will use this to his advantage and make sure he pulls of that victory."

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

Dalton Rosta - PFL middleweight

"First time around, I felt Usman underestimated Paul a little bit. He's not going to make that mistake again. I think this time he goes in there and gets it done via a finish. I think he does that by using his wrestling, taking him down and getting the submission."

Prediction: Nurmagomedov