As is tradition, the champion makes their walkout last and here comes Russia's Usman Nurmagomedov.

Flanked by his cousin Khabib, Nurmagomedov arrives with a brisk walk to large cheers.

The 26-year-old skips around the cage after he steps inside before chatting to his team, which also includes UFC lightweight champion Islam Mkahachev.

We're moments away.

Right then, here we go.

Paul Hughes is relaxed as he makes his way to the cage draped in Irish colours.

He cups his ears to a pocket of fans in the crowd who greet the 27-year-old with boos.

There's a large Irish contingent in Dubai too and they make their voices known as a grinning Hughes steps inside the cage.

Image source, Getty Images

After over 300 shows across 17 years, tonight represents possibly the final time we'll see a Bellator title fight.

Earlier this month, the PFL announced all content and events will be PFL-branded following the promotion's acquisition of Bellator in late 2023.

All Bellator fighters will compete under the PFL brand going forward but it is unclear which fighters will take part in the revamped PFL tournament and who will compete in standalone fight nights this year.

Hopefully we will get some clarity on the future of the Bellator lightweight title from Paul Hughes or Usman Nurmagomedov during their post-fight interviews.

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov will be in his cousin Usman's corner tonight as he looks to guide his fellow Russian to a 19th straight win.

Last week Khabib coached close friend Islam Makhachev to victory over Renato Moicano as he retained his UFC lightweight title, but saw his cousin Umar defeated in a bantamweight championship fight against Merab Dvalishvili.

Umar's loss was only the second in 94 fights between the Nurmagomedovs and Makhachev combined.

You can read more on Khabib's MMA super team here.

The PFL are dubbing this fight Dagestan vs Ireland 2, referencing Khabib Nurmagomedov's victory over Conor McGregor in 2018 as the first meeting between fighters from the two areas.

Irishman McGregor is the biggest MMA star of all time and Hughes is predicting similar superstardom if he can defeat Usman Nurmagomedov tonight.

The rivalry has intensified in recent weeks after Khabib claimed Ireland "doesn't have MMA fighters".

The Bellator lightweight title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes is taking place at the PFL Champions Series at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Vadim Nemkov has just choked out Timothy Johnson in the co-main event so Nurmagomedov and Hughes will be coming up next.

Earlier tonight on the main card there was disappointment for Irish featherweight Nathan Kelly, who lost via a rear-naked choke in the second round to Russia's Akhmed Magomedov.

Paul Hughes is the underdog going into the bout with Usman Nurmagomedov but he takes confidence from an impressive win over AJ McKee in October.

"There was no reason to go take such a big step so early in my career, but there were zero doubts in my mind, and it is the same with Usman," said Hughes.

"I am the best in the world 155lb MMA fighter, and I'm prepared for absolutely everything."

Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, is making the third defence of his title after last fighting in September, beating Alexandr Shabily by unanimous decision.

Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary as Irishman Paul Hughes faces Russia's Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title in Dubai.

Derry's Hughes, 27, is hoping to become the first Irishman to become a Bellator champion but he will have to end Nurmagomedov's 18-fight undefeated streak to do it.

Let's do this.

Image source, PFL