PFL announces title eliminator for Usman Nurmagomedov; Paul Hughes calls out 'rage bait'
PFL will determine the next title challenger for lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov this month, much to the dismay of Paul Hughes.
The promotion announced on Friday that a lightweight title eliminator between Mansour Barnaouri and Archie Colgan has been added to its 2025 PFL World Tournament 6 event on June 20, which takes place at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan. (ESPN, ESPN+).
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According to the announcement post, the winner will be granted a fight against undefeated 155-pound Champions Series titleholder Nurmagomedov (19-0), who hasn't competed since a thrilling victory over Hughes (14-2) in January.
The news seemingly came as a surprise and frustration to Hughes, who called for a rematch with Nurmagomedov after a quick knockout win over Bruno Miranda at 2025 PFL Europe 1 in Belfast in May. He quickly replied to the announcement post, labeling it as "rage bait."
Barnaouri (22-6) is coming off a third-round submission of surging prospect Alfie Davis in November, which came after a first-roudn finish of Yusuke Yachi in May. Colgan (11-0), meanwhile, has put together an undefeated career so far that is highlighted by wins over former Bellator title contender Emmanuel Sanchez and UFC veteran Thibault Gouti.
The latest lineup for 2025 PFL World Tournament 6 now includes:
Gadzhi Rabadanov vs. Kevin Lee
Liz Carmouche vs. Elora Dana
Mansour Barnaoui vs. Archie Colgan
Mando Gutierrez vs. Justin Wetzell
Marcirley Alves da Silva vs. Jake Hadley
Alfie Davis vs. Brent Primus
Jena Bishop vs. Katerina Shakalova
Sarvadzhon Khamidov vs. Magomed Magomedov
Antonio Caruso vs. Vinicius Cenci
Darragh Kelly vs. Chuka Willis
Lazaro Dayron vs. Matheus Mattos
Ilara Joanne vs. Saray Orozco
Alan Dominguez vs. Nick Meck
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL announces Nurmagomedov title eliminator; Hughes reacts
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