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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Paul Hughes: Credit Paul Hughes on Instagram
Derry’s Paul Hughes ‘can’t wait to prove everyone wrong’ ahead of his fight at a Professional Fighting League (PFL) event in Dubai.
Hughes is set to square off with Bellator’s undefeated lightweight champion, Usman Nurmagomedov.
The Russian fighter is undefeated in 19 pro bouts and has successfully defended his Bellator belt twice.
Nurmagomedov has had significant support from his cousin and former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who famously defeated Conor McGregor in October 2018.
In a promotional video posted on X by the PFL, Khabib said; "Ireland don't have fighters, let's be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland, Paul Hughes, Conor [McGregor], and who else?
"Ireland's level of MMA is not even half of Dagestan's level."
Only one way to find out on January 25th @paulhughesmma represents Ireland on the big stage as he clashes with Dagestan’s Usman Nurmagomedov as the @BellatorMMA Lightweight Title is on the line #RoadtoDubai | Sat Jan 25 | Coca-Cola Arena | Dubai, UAE pic.twitter.com/BmuR1XhYD7
— PFL (@PFLMMA) January 6, 2025
Dagestan is a republic of Russia situated in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe, along the Caspian Sea, and the place of origin of these Nurmagomedov cousins.
The comments have led to much discourse across social media, with Hughes responding to the comments from Khabib.
He said: “Can’t wait to prove everyone wrong once again.”
Can’t wait to prove everyone wrong, once again https://t.co/wnRmeCWbif
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 6, 2025
The Derry fighter has also brought up previous controversies in Khabib’s career around his failed drug test during his career, while also saying he would not be famous if it was not for McGregor.
He said: “Conor made you famous.”
Dagestan number 1 at juicing bratha pic.twitter.com/ff82h3Q6ko
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 3, 2025
Fans are looking forward to the bout between Nurmagomedov and Hughes on January 25 when the two square off at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, with it scheduled to air live on ESPN+.
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