NEW YORK (August 22, 2025) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today confirmed the completed 12-fight lineup for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch, set for Friday, October 3 at the world-class Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
The blockbuster event features a championship double-header alongside a stacked card of international talent.
In the main event, Dagestan’s undefeated phenom Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) will defend his Lightweight World Title in a highly anticipated rematch against Ireland’s rising superstar Paul Hughes (14-2) — a bout already being called the biggest rematch in PFL history.
The co-main event will see former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) collide with reigning 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) with the world title on the line.
Newly Announced Bouts Add Depth to Early Card
Four additional fights have been finalized for the early card, showcasing global talent across multiple divisions:
Lightweight: Algeria’s Asael Adjoudj (10-1) vs. Uzbekistan’s Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-1-1)
Lightweight: Japan’s Takeshi Izumi (6-4) vs. Brazil’s Vinicius Cenci (9-3)
Lightweight: Russia’s Makkasharip Zaynukov (17-4) vs. Ireland’s John Mitchell (10-2)
Middleweight: Jordan’s Jarrah Al-Silawi (20-7) vs. France’s Gregory Babene (23-12)
These matchups further solidify what promises to be one of the most explosive cards in PFL history.
PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch
Friday, Oct. 3 – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Main Card
PFL Lightweight World Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (14-2)
PFL Light Heavyweight World Title Co-Main Event: Corey Anderson (19-6) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)
Lightweight: Archie Colgan (12-0) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (11-1)
Bantamweight: Lewis McGrillen (12-1) vs. Caolan Loughran (10-2)
Bantamweight: Magomed Magomedov (21-4) vs. Sergio Pettis (24-7)
Early Card
Heavyweight Showcase: Pouya Rahmani (4-0) vs. Slim Trabelsi (8-0)
165-Pound Catchweight: Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) vs. Artem Lobov (14-15-1)
Welterweight Showcase: Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) vs. Florim Zendeli (10-1-1)
Lightweight Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (10-1) vs. Mirafzal Akhtamov (8-1-1)
Lightweight Showcase: Takeshi Izumi (6-4) vs. Vinicius Cenci (9-3)
Lightweight Showcase: Makkasharip Zaynukov (17-4) vs. John Mitchell (10-2)
Middleweight Showcase: Jarrah Al-Silawi (20-7) vs. Gregory Babene (23-12)
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL is the only MMA organization with the innovative “win and advance” tournament format. The league delivers three premier fight franchises: PFL World Tournament, PFL Champions Series, and PFL International Leagues.
PFL is broadcast and streamed live in 190 countries with 20 leading media partners and backed by world-class investors including SURJ, Ares, 885 Capital, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. With over 650 million fans globally and the youngest audience demographic in sports, MMA is the growth business of this decade.
ABOUT COCA-COLA ARENA
Since opening in June 2019, Coca-Cola Arena has become the premier live entertainment destination in the Middle East. With a 17,000-seat capacity and state-of-the-art design, the venue hosts an array of world-class events — from international concerts and sports to live theatre and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of City Walk, Dubai, the arena is just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and a short walk from the Metro. Coca-Cola Arena is owned by Dubai Holding Entertainment and operated by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company.
