Tag: Paul Hughes

Breaking: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Booked for January 25 in Dubai

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Dubai PFL BellatorUsman Nurmagomedov will look to defend his world title against the top-ranked contender Paul Hughes in the PFL hosted…

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Dubai PFL Bellator

Usman Nurmagomedov will look to defend his world title against the top-ranked contender Paul Hughes in the PFL hosted in Dubai on January 25.

Road to Dubai

Dubai is teaming up with the Professional Fighters League to make the city a major destination for mixed martial arts. This partnership will bring annual events called the “Road to Dubai” to the city, along with training programs to help develop Emirati fighters into future champions. The goal is to establish Dubai as a global hub for MMA while boosting sports tourism and showcasing the city’s world-class hospitality.

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes

The first event, the Champions Series World Title, will take place on January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena. Headlining the event is a matchup between undefeated MMA champion Usman Nurmagomedov from Dagestan and Irish rising star Paul Hughes. This will be Dubai’s first-ever major MMA title event and a historic moment for the sport in the region.

Usman Nurmagomedov is the cousin and student of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hughes was a champion in Cage Warriors before signing with the PFL, and recently earned an impressive win against former champion AJ McKee. Usman Nurmagomedov’s world title will be on the line in this matchup.

“I am always excited to challenge myself against the best athletes and I view Paul Hughes as a worthy opponent,” Usman Nurmagomedov continued, “I’m proud to be the first MMA main event in Dubai history.”

“The championship has always been in my plans, and now it’s coming to fruition in January when I face Usman,” Paul Hughes explained. “I respect what he brings to the table and I am not discrediting him, but I know I will leave Dubai on January 25 as the new champion.”

“The Professional Fighters League is proud to be the first organization to launch major global MMA events in Dubai,” said PFL CEO Pete Murray. “We are excited to partner with Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Dubai Sports Council to stage annual mega events in the city of gold and develop the next generation of UAE champion fighters.”

Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes Dubai PFL Bellator

VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight

At the PFL’s Battle of the Giants event last month, one of the biggest talking points was the emphatic victory produced by Paul Hughes. The Irish lightweight was one of the most exciting prospects around when the PFL signed him earlier this year but no one expected that within the same year, he’d be in […]

Continue Reading VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight at MMA News.

At the PFL’s Battle of the Giants event last month, one of the biggest talking points was the emphatic victory produced by Paul Hughes. The Irish lightweight was one of the most exciting prospects around when the PFL signed him earlier this year but no one expected that within the same year, he’d be in the title picture.

After a debut win on the Bellator Champions Series in June, Hughes was matched up with one of the top names on the roster in former champion AJ McKee. Many assumed that this would be too much of a step for “Big News” at this stage in his career but he proved a lot of people wrong by beating McKee in Riyadh, even if the fight was controversially scored as a split decision.

He immediately called to face Bellator’s lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov who is another one of the promotion’s most highly regarded talents. The cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov has an unbeaten record of 18-0 with one no contest and recently defended his title in San Diego with a decision win over Alexander Shabliy.

Whilst drawing comparisons between this fight and the biggest clash in the history of the sport between “The Eagle” and Conor McGregor, Hughes said that it was time for another instalment of Russia vs Ireland and it seems that he may have already been granted his wish.

A video on social media shows the two men facing off with one another whilst cameramen in PFL clothing film the stare down for what is likely going to be used as promotional material in the build up. No official timeframe for the fight has been announced but it’s undoubtedly one of the biggest contests that the promotion could put on right now.

Continue Reading VIDEO: Usman Nurmagomedov & Paul Hughes Faceoff Fuels Rumors Of Bellator Title Fight at MMA News.

Conor McGregor: “I’ll Support You 100%” in Paul Hughes Bout Against Usman Nurmagomedov, takes shots at Khabib

Conor McGregor Paul HughesIreland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor…

Conor McGregor Paul Hughes

Ireland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor McGregor in his corner for this matchup. ‘The Notorious’ said he is absolutely into supporting Hughes for his title match against the Dagestani athlete.

Paul Hughes

The Cage Warriors champion signed with the PFL earlier this year. In his promotional debut, he out-pointed the prodigy AJ McKee over a three-round decision. With this win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he sets himself up as the top contender to face Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight Title.

Paul Hughes PFL
2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Jose Peñuela / 2024PFLPPV) Paul Hughes vs AJ McKee

Usman is a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov and has long been a training partner. Khabib would be in Usman’s corner during the Hughes title match. Thus, Hughes has asked his Irish countryman and rival of Khabib, Conor McGregor to be in his corner. In his post-fight interview, the Irish fighter said:

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it … How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor changed the face of MMA when he made history as a two-division UFC Champion. But he might be best known for his blockbuster match against his rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hearing the calls from Paul Hughes, McGregor said that he would be in attendance to support Hughes against Nurmagomedov. In a deleted Tweet, ‘The Notorious’ said:

“Paul my man I will go to the arena and support 100% for sure and if it kicks off I’ll be in there before you could even say ‘The [Nurmagomedovs] are juice head inbred rats married to their cousins’. Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way! You’ve got this! We are with you brother, bring home the Gold!”

Conor McGregor Khabib Usman Paul Hughes
Screenshot by Curtis Calhoun

Conor McGregor: “I’ll Support You 100%” in Paul Hughes Bout Against Usman Nurmagomedov, takes shots at Khabib

Conor McGregor Paul HughesIreland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor…

Conor McGregor Paul Hughes

Ireland’s Paul Hughes will soon face the Khabib Nurmagomedov trained Usman Nurmagomedov, for the Bellator title, and wants Conor McGregor in his corner for this matchup. ‘The Notorious’ said he is absolutely into supporting Hughes for his title match against the Dagestani athlete.

Paul Hughes

The Cage Warriors champion signed with the PFL earlier this year. In his promotional debut, he out-pointed the prodigy AJ McKee over a three-round decision. With this win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he sets himself up as the top contender to face Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight Title.

Paul Hughes PFL
2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Jose Peñuela / 2024PFLPPV) Paul Hughes vs AJ McKee

Usman is a cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov and has long been a training partner. Khabib would be in Usman’s corner during the Hughes title match. Thus, Hughes has asked his Irish countryman and rival of Khabib, Conor McGregor to be in his corner. In his post-fight interview, the Irish fighter said:

“Yeah, that’s obvious. [Usman Nurmagomedov] is what I want. I said I was here for the biggest fights, the highest-pressure moments, and to make the most money possible. Usman is next, no question. There’s a lot of hype around this fight, and I’m here for it … How crazy would that be? We might need some extra security that night, though. We’ll need more security! But I’m down for it. It’ll be fun.”

Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor changed the face of MMA when he made history as a two-division UFC Champion. But he might be best known for his blockbuster match against his rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. Hearing the calls from Paul Hughes, McGregor said that he would be in attendance to support Hughes against Nurmagomedov. In a deleted Tweet, ‘The Notorious’ said:

“Paul my man I will go to the arena and support 100% for sure and if it kicks off I’ll be in there before you could even say ‘The [Nurmagomedovs] are juice head inbred rats married to their cousins’. Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way! You’ve got this! We are with you brother, bring home the Gold!”

Conor McGregor Khabib Usman Paul Hughes
Screenshot by Curtis Calhoun

‘Biggest Win Outside Of McGregor In Irish MMA History’ – Fans React As Paul Hughes Proves Himself Against AJ McKee On PFL PPV Card

Paul Hughes has now scored the biggest win of his career, edging out a decision over former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee to kick off the PFL Battle of the Giants main card. In the first round, McKee looked to land aggressively, landing kicks and trying to control the fight by pushing Hughes to the […]

Continue Reading ‘Biggest Win Outside Of McGregor In Irish MMA History’ – Fans React As Paul Hughes Proves Himself Against AJ McKee On PFL PPV Card at MMA News.

Paul Hughes has now scored the biggest win of his career, edging out a decision over former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee to kick off the PFL Battle of the Giants main card.

In the first round, McKee looked to land aggressively, landing kicks and trying to control the fight by pushing Hughes to the fence. The Irishman responded well with strong strikes, however, including a big knee and punches in a scramble.

McKee attempted to take the fight to the ground, but Hughes defended well. The former Cage Warriors standout managed to drop the American right before the end of the first round, nearly finishing the fight there.

The fight remained competitive in the latter two rounds, though Hughes was putting up the stronger performance. “The Mercenary” looked to maintain his strategy of clinches and takedowns, looking to take the fight to the ground and keep it there. The Irish prospect, meanwhile, looked to use his hooks, combinations, and knees to keep McKee at bay, consistently looking to pressure until the final bell.

All three judges gave 29-28 scores, with two of them in Hughes’ favor, giving him the split decision win in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Paul Hughes Scores Major Decision Victory Over AJ McKee On PFL PPV card

Hughes, the former Cage Warriors champion who has won all but one of his MMA fights, entered this fight off a successful Bellator debut against Bobby King this past June.

McKee, meanwhile, saw a four-fight win streak snapped. He had entered this fight off a submission of Clay Collard at the PFL vs. Bellator pay-per-view card in February.

Continue Reading ‘Biggest Win Outside Of McGregor In Irish MMA History’ – Fans React As Paul Hughes Proves Himself Against AJ McKee On PFL PPV Card at MMA News.

Paul Hughes Out-Points AJ McKee in PFL Debut

Paul Hughes PFLPFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants featured a all-striker showdown between the prodigy AJ McKee and rising knockout…

Paul Hughes PFL

PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants featured a all-striker showdown between the prodigy AJ McKee and rising knockout artist Paul Hughes. This fight was a title eliminator with the winner getting to face the Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes

Both men came out guns blazing with the precision of McKee making an impact on the former Cage Warriors champion. With a series of counter punches and a flying knee, Hughes was able to change the tempo of the match. The Irish-born Hughes again was able to land a flying knee which sent McKee into panic mode. The Irish athlete began controlling form to position plus ground and pound. After getting back to his feet McKee ate even more counter strikes and a knee which left him on the ground at the end of round 1.

AJ McKee was having success early in round 2 controlling well with his kicks. The knee and counter striking from Hughes continued to be a threat throughout round 2, landing sharp punches. After getting kicked in the cup, Hughes swarmed on his opponent with punches but McKee ducked low and shot for a takedown.

The Irishman Paul Hughes landed ground and pound during round  3, but McKee was able to get back to his feet. The US-born Bellator fighter threatened with takedowns and kept the fight in a scramble. The two traded at the edge of the smart cage with heavy punches. Hughes was getting the better of the exchanges. Hughes ended the fight landing knees against his opponent.

Paul Hughes takes the fight by split decision 29-28 x2, and 28-29.

A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes Highlights