Nurmagomedov vs Hughes 2: Carl Frampton, Savannah Marshall and extra give predictions for MMA title combat

Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes 2

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

Protection: Comply with reside textual content commentary of Nurmagomedov v Hughes 2 from 20:00 BST on Friday, 3 October on BBC Sport web site and app

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

Hughes, 28, is difficult Nurmagomedov for the PFL light-weight title eight months after he was overwhelmed by the Russian.

Nurmagomedov edged Hughes on factors in a intently fought battle which may have gone both manner.

Can Hughes turn into the primary fighter to beat 27-year-old Nurmagomedov? BBC Sport asks fighters and pundits for his or her predictions.

“I believe Paul can win this one. I felt he did sufficient to win the primary combat however the head conflict was a giant second. He got here off worse however it occurred at a time when Nurmagomedov wanted a relaxation and he used all of his expertise to take a break, which benefited him. Paul will probably be proper up for this and ought to be the favorite due to what occurred final time. I am backing him to turn into Eire’s newest world champion.”

Prediction: Hughes

“My prediction is that Hughes goes to get the job executed this time. I really feel he is been extra energetic than Nurmagomedov of late, and I really feel he simply needs it extra. So I’ll go along with the underdog Paul Hughes by a call victory.”

Prediction: Hughes

“What an absolute cracker that first combat was. I am actually excited for the second. I simply suppose all the pieces Paul Hughes had, Usman Nurmagomedov had a solution for. So for this second one, I am going for a similar outcome however I believe it will likely be much more decisive than the primary one.”

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

“I am type of leaning in the direction of a call for Usman once more. I really feel he could have recalibrated, he is aware of what he is up in opposition to now and it’ll take Paul to do one thing even higher than final time to get him the win. I’ve had conversations all week about it and it is loopy how divided the opinion is. I’ve had excessive degree fighters come as much as me and inform me Paul’s going to shock everybody, however I am leaning in the direction of Usman. However I am all the time open to being stunned by Paul and he retains stunning me, so we’ll see what occurs.”

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

“I imagine Paul Hughes goes to get the win. He appears to be like fitter than ever, he appears to be like hungrier than ever and he is aware of what it’s to lose in opposition to Usman. So I do not suppose he will make the identical errors. Perhaps I am completely improper, we’ll see, however it may be a fantastic combat to look at – so seize your popcorn and benefit from the evening.”

Prediction: Hughes

“It is a very laborious combat to name. It was a fantastic first combat and I believe Paul ought to have gotten the choice. This one, Nurmagomedov will probably be be far more respectful for the power of Paul and could have skilled a lot tougher, however I do imagine this will probably be a Paul Hughes victory, both on factors or with a late stoppage.”

Prediction: Hughes

“I’ll must go for Paul. I believe after the primary change, despite the fact that the choice went for Usman, one of many issues he confirmed was he was in a position to push Usman into deep waters so far as his conditioning goes. He was in a position to utilise anti-wrestling efficiently, he pushed hanging and actually pushed Usman. I believe he’ll capitalise within the rematch.”

Prediction: Hughes

“I say Usman pulls it off with a unanimous determination. Hughes will get actually aggressive however Usman will use this to his benefit and ensure he pulls of that victory.”

Prediction: Nurmagomedov

“First time round, I felt Usman underestimated Paul just a little bit. He isn’t going to make that mistake once more. I believe this time he goes in there and will get it executed by way of a end. I believe he does that through the use of his wrestling, taking him down and getting the submission.”

Prediction: Nurmagomedov