PFL: Battle of the Giants results: Paul Hughes edges out A.J. McKee, calls out Usman Nurmagomedov

Paul Hughes' striking proved to be too much for A.J. McKee.

Hughes (13-1) dropped McKee (22-2) early and fended off his grappling en route to a split decision win (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The lightweight bout was the main card opener at The Mayadeen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In Round 1, McKee backed Hughes to a corner with a flurry. Hughes broke free and almost landed a flying knee. McKee grabbed a hold of him and worked for a takedown. Hughes broke free again and threw another big knee. It was clear what McKee's game plan was as he attempted another takedown. Hughes reversed and wound up in top position. McKee worked for a leg lock. As he got up, Hughes landed a big knee, followed by a big overhand right which dropped McKee.

The pace slowed down in Rounds 2 and 3 as McKee pressed Hughes against the cage. Hughes broke free and threw a flurry. An accidental low blow by McKee caused a break in the action. Hughes attempted a big knee and slipped, allowing McKee to capitalize by grabbing a hold of him and keeping him down. Hughes spent the rest of the fight trying to fend off McKee's grappling, but he outstruck him throughout and caused more damage for the win.

With the win, Hughes made it seven straight and proceeded to call out Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

Up-to-the-minute results of PFL: Battle of the Giants include:

• Paul Hughes def. A.J. McKee via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

• Raufeon Stots def. Marcos Breno via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 3:01

• Makkasharip Zaynukov def. Dedrek Sanders via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)

• Ibragim Ibragimov def. Nacho Campos via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Taha Bendaoud def. Tariq Ismail via submission (triangle choke) – Round 2, 3:51

Related

PFL: Battle of the Giants live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

PFL: Battle of the Giants: Best photos from Riyadh

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL: Battle of the Giants results: Paul Hughes edges out A.J. McKee, calls out Usman Nurmagomedov