PFL: Road to Dubai Championship Series

The PFL Road to Dubai championship series kicked off the weekend, and the main event delivered. Usman Nurmagomedov faced Paul Hughes in a highly anticipated clash dubbed 'Dagestan vs. Ireland 2.' This was a thrilling back-and-forth battle with both fighters showcasing their skills. Hughes landed some impressive strikes, and grappling wise Hughes showed some skills including a stunning switch that caught Nurmagomedov off guard. He showed a clear sense of urgency to secure a victory, particularly when the fight hit the ground. It was clear the ground is not where Hughes wanted to be for long.

While the scorecards generated some online debate, I ultimately sided with Nurmagomedov as the winner. It was a close fight that is for sure! Nurmagomedov acknowledged Hughes's performance but stated that Hughes needs 3-4 more fights before another title shot, a sentiment I strongly disagree with. This fight was a testament to both fighters' abilities, and a rematch for the PFL title would be an instant classic.

BKFC Knucklemania 5

BKFC consistently delivers exciting events, even though the sport might be controversial for some. This card was no exception, featuring numerous quick finishes and spectacular knockouts. The main event pitted UFC legends Eddie Alvarez against Jeremy Stephens in a highly anticipated clash. Fighting in front of a hometown crowd, Alvarez was the fan favorite, and I initially favored him to win. However, Stephens delivered a dominant performance, rocking Alvarez multiple times in the third round. Despite Alvarez's resilience, his corner ultimately stopped the fight. Stephens, now 3-0 in BKFC, is on a tear, reminiscent of Mike Perry's resurgence in the bare-knuckle arena. McGregor even entered the ring after the fight for a face-off with Stephens, calling for a potential matchup. While McGregor has called out numerous fighters in recent times, his investment in BKFC might make this fight a possibility, although it's unlikely unless he's released from his UFC contract.

Alvarez, now 1-2 in BKFC, might need to consider alternative options, such as competing in another organization. Despite his popularity, it's concerning to see him continue to absorb this level of damage. We'll have to wait and see what's next for Alvarez, but one thing's certain: Jeremy Stephens is thriving in the world of bare-knuckle boxing.

This Week: UFC Fight Night Adesanya vs Imavov

This week, the UFC delivers Fight Night: Adesanya vs. Imavov. This card boasts a strong lineup, potentially surpassing UFC 312 in terms of excitement. The main card features a heavyweight clash between Sergei Pavlovich and Jarizinho Rozenstruik, as well as a thrilling matchup between Shara Bullet and Michel Page. The main event pits Israel Adesanya against Nassourdine Imavov in a highly anticipated middleweight showdown.  I’ll be providing a detailed breakdown and my picks for this card mid-week, so stay tuned. With such a stacked lineup, this Fight Night event feels like it could rival a pay-per-view.