After all the talk of stopping Paul Hughes inside the distance, Usman Nurmagomedov was made to dig deep and eke out a majority points decision to retain his Bellator lightweight world title and stretch his perfect record to 19-0 on Saturday.
The inaugural Road to Dubai Champions Series main event had the fans in the 12,000-capacity Coca-Cola Arena on the edge of their seats throughout the five rounds as Nurmagomedov admitted he had never had it so tough inside the cage.
One judge had the score tied at 47-47 while the other two had it as 48-46 in favour of the Dagestani, even though Hughes felt he had done enough to have the decision go in his favour.
“Paul Hughes, brother, you are really the man. You are tough. Honestly, I underestimated this guy. It was my little mistake,” a relieved Nurmagomedov said soon after the decision was announced.
That wasn’t the case when Nurmagomedov dismissed Hughes as a novice and said he would finish him within the distance in a pre-fight rant.
However, speaking after the fight, Nurmagomedov described Hughes’ wrestling and take down defence as remarkable, which made him realise his misjudgement.
“I didn’t think he was like this. You are really strong, brother. I have never suffered such damage in a fight like this before. I have a lot of pain in my body, honestly,” Nurmagomedov added.
Hughes felt he had done enough after pushing the champion to his limit and urged the promotion to call for a rematch in Belfast.
“It really did play out the way I expected. I'm so gutted and so disappointed, I really thought I won that one,” Hughes said.
“I should have pushed harder. Next time, I know we're going to fight again. There's no question, so much has been said. I thought I won tonight, but look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time.
“I really thought I was going to win. To see this arena packed out like this, for a PFL show...
“The PFL believed in me. And I believe in the PFL's journey, because look what we're doing. I just can't wait to see what's in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast.
“We've got to bring it back to Ireland. Back for a homecoming for me. I think I've earned this. And one thing I would say, all the guys from Dagestan coming over to Ireland, you will be welcomed with open arms as we have great respect for a small fighting nation like you guys.”
Hughes said he lost momentum at a key moment in the fight when an accidental clash of heads in round four led to a lengthy timeout.
Hughes suffered a cut on his forehead while Nurmagomedov was seemingly rocked. “I felt like the stoppage in the fourth round with the head clash, changed the momentum of the fight,” Hughes pointed out.
“I feel like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming on and I would’ve emptied the tank, but that changed the flow and he got that time to recover.”
Later in the post-fight media briefing, Nurmagomedov admitted he underestimated the Irishman but left the match-up with a completely different attitude.
“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 ever lose. But in my mind, I’m never going to lose,” he said.
“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. I think it was a good fight, for the fans.”
Nurmagomedov had his cousin and UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov in his corner but revealed he trained alone for the fight back in Dagestan, without his team - Khabib, Islam Makhachev and his brother Umar - as they were away in the US for their engagements with the UFC.
As for what’s next, Nurmagomedov wasn’t specific. The suggestion of an immediate rematch, however, did not interest him.
“If Paul wants rematch he has to earn it,” he said. “He must fight a couple, three, four fights before a rematch. He had only two fights and they gave him a title shot.
“But Paul Hughes, I have all my respect to you. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 per cent has the chance to take this belt. Then, we can think of a rematch.”
Khabib thanks Irish fans for Palestine support
UFC legend Khabib asked for the microphone during the post-fight interviews in the cage as he wanted to address the large contingent of Irish fans inside the arena and thank them for their support of Palestine.
In May 2024, the Irish government announced that it recognised the state of Palestine in a coordinated statement along with the governments of Norway and Spain. Many high-profile Irish politicians have also been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza, reflecting a wider sentiment held in the country.
To loud cheers, Khabib said: “Thank you everyone, I know this is not my time to talk but I just want to say one thing – don't forget, Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine, don't forget about this.
"So, we love you guys. You, your government, everybody. Here, inside the cage is only competition. MMA is all about respect. We love you guys because you support our brothers in Palestine. We love you guys, I just wanted to let you know."
Full card and results:
Lightweight PFL world title contest: Usman Nurmagomedov defeated Paul Hughes (Majority decision)
Heavyweight co-main contest: Vadim Nemkov def Tim Johnson (Submission rear naked choke)
Featherweight: Akhmed Magomedov def Nathan Kelly (Submission rear naked choke)
Catchweight 147lbs: Ibragim Ibragimov def Kenny Mokhonoana (Unanimous decision)
Bantamweight: Renat Khavalov def Cleiver Fernandes (Unanimous decision)
Catchweight 199lbs: Ahmed Samy def Tarek Suleiman (TKO)
Lightweight: Mirafzal Akhtamov def Mike Thompson (submission head high choke)
Flyweight: Hadi Omar Al Hussaini def Ruel Panales (Unanimous decision)
Lightweight: John Mitchell def Souhil Tairi (unanimous decision)
Middleweight: Haider Khan def Mostafa Nada (TKO)
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
SECRET%20INVASION
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The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Honeymoonish
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How Apple's credit card works
The Apple Card looks different from a traditional credit card — there's no number on the front and the users' name is etched in metal. The card expands the company's digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. Its attributes include quick sign-up, elimination of most fees, strong security protections and cash back.
What does it cost?
Apple says there are no fees associated with the card. That means no late fee, no annual fee, no international fee and no over-the-limit fees. It also said it aims to have among the lowest interest rates in the industry. Users must have an iPhone to use the card, which comes at a cost. But they will earn cash back on their purchases — 3 per cent on Apple purchases, 2 per cent on those with the virtual card and 1 per cent with the physical card. Apple says it is the only card to provide those rewards in real time, so that cash earned can be used immediately.
What will the interest rate be?
The card doesn't come out until summer but Apple has said that as of March, the variable annual percentage rate on the card could be anywhere from 13.24 per cent to 24.24 per cent based on creditworthiness. That's in line with the rest of the market, according to analysts
What about security?
The physical card has no numbers so purchases are made with the embedded chip and the digital version lives in your Apple Wallet on your phone, where it's protected by fingerprints or facial recognition. That means that even if someone steals your phone, they won't be able to use the card to buy things.
Is it easy to use?
Apple says users will be able to sign up for the card in the Wallet app on their iPhone and begin using it almost immediately. It also tracks spending on the phone in a more user-friendly format, eliminating some of the gibberish that fills a traditional credit card statement. Plus it includes some budgeting tools, such as tracking spending and providing estimates of how much interest could be charged on a purchase to help people make an informed decision.
* Associated Press
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A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The National Archives, Abu Dhabi
Founded over 50 years ago, the National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the UAE, and is the oldest and richest archive relating to the Arabian Gulf.
Much of the material can be viewed on line at the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive - https://www.agda.ae/en
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
The Laughing Apple
Yusuf/Cat Stevens
(Verve Decca Crossover)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
