Tag: Paul Hughes

Dan Hardy: No shortage of 2025 PFL fighters who could hang in UFC right now

Dan Hardy is confident that many of the PFL’s top stars would succeed in the UFC.

[autotag]Dan Hardy[/autotag] is confident many of the PFL’s top stars would succeed in the UFC.

The PFL analyst specifically referred to Bellator lightweight champion [autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag]’s (19-0) successful title defense against [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] (13-2) in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series in January, which turned out to be one of the more exciting and competitive fights of the year so far.

Hardy also likes undefeated Bellator champion [autotag]Johnny Eblen[/autotag]’s (16-0) chances against any UFC middleweight.

“The UFC is such a strong brand and they really do dominate the sport,” Hardy told MMA Junkie Radio. “It’s easy for fans to look outside of the UFC and go, ‘These fighters aren’t good enough, otherwise they would be in the UFC.’ We all know that’s the case. We’ve got the likes of Paul Hughes now signed up and had a fantastic bout against Usman Nurmagomedov. Both of those fighters, for my money, could compete in the UFC at a similar level, and I would say the same for many of the champions – both across PFL and Bellator.

“Johnny Eblen, for me, could really cause problems for any middleweight in the world. It doesn’t matter what promotion they’re in. It’s nice sometimes to be able to see those fighters like Kayla Harrison, who obviously dominated to a point in the PFL, then go over and have the same impact elsewhere. I think we could have a lot more of that success if there was more cross promotion. But, of course, that’s why we don’t get the cross-promotion fights. It was a risk when they were doing it with Pride, as well, because sometimes it didn’t work out well for them.”

PFL welterweights and featherweights will kick off their season Thursday at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla. PFL 2025, Week 1 is headlined by a 170-pound bout between Jason Jackson (18-5) and Andrey Koreshkov. Also featured on the main card is a matchup between Logan Storley (16-3) and Magomed Umalatov (17-1).

Hardy spoke of the depth of talent in the tournament.

“The reality is, these fighters in this world tournament are world-class, competitive with any(one) – especially the lightweights and the welterweights,” Hardy said. “They are incredibly deep brackets that we’ve got in these (tournaments), and I think we’re going to see those level of fights come April.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL 2025, Week 1.

Paul Hughes stumps for PFL amid turmoil, disappointed by ‘trend to hate on them’

The negative experience with the PFL shared by many big names has been the complete opposite for one of the promotion’s standout fighters.

The negative experience with the PFL shared by many big names on the roster has been the complete opposite for one of the promotion’s standout fighters.

Lightweight contender [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] went to bat for the PFL on Friday, expressing disappointment that “it has become a trend to hate on (the promotion).” Hughes’ words were part of a quote-tweet on X in which responded to criticism by former Strikeforce champion and “Weighing In” podcast co-host Josh Thomson, who urged the PFL to “get their sh*t together” during a recent interview with MMA Junkie Radio.

As far as Hughes is concerned, though, the PFL already has it together.

“The PFL have provided me the platform to completely change my life and my career in 9 months,” wrote Hughes, who’s been booked three times by PFL, including a January title-fight loss to Bellator lightweight champ Usman Nurmagomedov. “The staff have been absolutely amazing to deal with the entire time. I find it disappointing that it has become a trend to hate on them.

“They are the UNDERDOGS, fighting to make a CHANGE in an industry where the athletes are under served and underpaid. MOST of us fighters end up leaving the game with no money (and a lot of brain damage). This will only change if organisations like PFL continue to succeed.”

Almost every public complaint has come from a prominent former Bellator champions and notables, whose contracts were picked up by the PFL as part of the acquisition in late 2023. While Hughes has competed three times in nine months, the common refrain from angry fighters has been a lack of activity and communication.

Patricio Freire, who fought only once for PFL, received his release after asking for it and signed with the UFC; Aaron Pico and Patchy Mix, who each have made just one PFL appearance, both have publicly requested to be released; Corey Anderson has expressed his unhappiness with fighting only once in March 2024; and Gegard Mousasi hit the PFL with a $15 million breach of contract lawsuit after he was released.

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Paul Hughes headlines PFL Belfast event vs. Bruno Miranda on May 10

PFL standout Paul Hughes will return to home soil for his next fight.

PFL standout [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] will return to home soil for his next fight.

Hughes (13-2) takes on [autotag]Bruno Miranda[/autotag] (17-5) in the PFL Belfast main event May 10 at SSE Arena, promotion officials announced Wednesday morning.

Hughes is coming off a majority decision defeat to Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai headliner this past January, a fight he thought he won. The loss snapped the 27-year-old’s seven-fight winning streak.

Brazil’s Miranda most recently competed in June when he defeated Patricky Freire by split decision in the second round of the 2024 PFL lightweight season. The win snapped a two-fight losing skid.

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Usman Nurmagomedov: I was ’50 percent’ in Bellator title win over Paul Hughes

Usman Nurmagomedov claims he only performed at half of his capabilities in his Bellator lightweight title defense vs. Paul Hughes.

Despite coming out on top, [autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] wants fans to know that his full potential wasn’t displayed in his latest title defense.

Nurmagomedov (19-0) defended his Bellator lightweight title, a now defunct promotion under the PFL banner, against Irisman [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] (13-2) in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series last month at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Nurmagomedov won a close and competitive majority decision that read 47-47, 48-46 and 48-46 on the judges’ scorecards.

Even though he retained his belt and his unbeaten record, Nurmagomedov says he was only a fraction of himself in that cage.

“I think I can prepare for this fight better,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “I know I can be better, more than I was that night. I for sure know I can finish this guy. After this fight, I see a lot of my mistakes. For myself, I know I was 50 percent in that cage. I will be ready for 100 percent, I know I can finish this guy.”

For him, training in Dagestan while the bulk of his team was in San Jose training at AKA was a big issue for his preparation. He also wasn’t 100 percent healthy entering the fight.

“For training camp I did it with tough guys, like one or two, but this is not enough,” Nurmagomedov said. “I was alone, and it’s really hard to push yourself when you don’t have your coaches. Everyone was focused on Umar (Nurmagomedov), Islam (Makhachev), Tagir (Ulanbekov) in America.

“Of course, they control me, but it’s different when you’re training at home with your family and your friends. Sometimes you have to spend time a little bit with your family and do some diner with your brothers. This made me a little tired and don’t get you recovered for next training session. Also, when I came to Dubai, I was sick two weeks before the fight.”

As far as what’s next, many online suggested an immediate rematch between Nurmagomedov and Hughes, given the entertaining and competitive nature of the fight. Some even claimed it as the best fight in PFL history.

However, for Nurmagomedov, the fight wasn’t as close as some people thought, and he wants to see Hughes prove his worth before running things back.

“If the people want, why not? If the fans want this fight, why not? Let him fight one time, and I’ll fight with him again, but he has to win,” Nurmagomedov explained. “He has to show me something. You can’t lose all five rounds and say I was close to finishing him. It doesn’t work like that.”

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PFL free fight: Usman Nurmagomedov edges out Paul Hughes to defend lightweight title

Watch Usman Nurmagomedov defend his lightweight title against Paul Hughes in arguably the best fight in PFL history.

[autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] and [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] went toe-to-toe in what many consider to be the best fight in PFL history.

The two met in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. After 25 minutes, Nurmagomedov (19-0) got his hand raised with a majority decision over Hughes (13-2). Although many online have disputed the judges’ scoring since, what’s certain is that it was a highly competitive and entertaining fight.

You can watch the full replay of the fight above.

With the result, Nurmagomedov kept his unbeaten record intact and retained the title of a now-defunct Bellator promotion. It is unclear how PFL will handle his championship status as it begins to consolidate the titles. Hughes suffered the second defeat of his pro career, ending a seven-fight winning streak.

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Video: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes: Best fight in PFL history? Immediate rematch?

Was Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes the best fight in PFL history? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

[autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] retained his Bellator lightweight title in thrilling fashion this past weekend.

The undefeated protégé of UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov went toe to toe with Ireland’s [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] to win a majority decision in the main event of PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. It was a highly competitive fight that had many fans entertained and debating who was the rightful winner. Some even suggested that Nurmagomedov (19-0) and Hughes (13-2) should run things back in an immediate rematch.

So, should PFL book these two again? Did Nurmagomedov deserve the decision win? Was this the best fight in PFL’s history?

MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, Mike Bohn, Danny Segura and host Gorgeous George discuss Nurmagomedov’s title defense over Hughes and what should come next for both fighters.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/live/7mzBPF6ry_Q

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Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Usman Nurmagomedov defends Bellator title, Conor McGregor’s career update, GFL draft, more

On the latest episode of “Spinning Back Clique,” we discuss Usman Nurmagomedov’s Bellator title win, Conor McGregor’s career update, more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Mike Bohn, Nolan King, and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • [autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] was able to retain his Bellator lightweight title, but not without a fight. Nurmagomedov edged out Ireland’s [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] in a competitive fight in the main event of  PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series on Saturday. We break down this big title fight, and some of the other key results on the card.
  • MMA wasn’t the only sport around this past weekend. BKFC’s KnuckleMania 5 went down this past Saturday, and it hosted the hometown return of former UFC and Bellator champion [autotag]Eddie Alvarez[/autotag] against [autotag]Jeremy Stephens[/autotag]. Unfortunately for Alvarez, Stephens had his hand raised, as Alvarez had a corner stoppage in between Rounds 3 and 4. Immediately after the fight, Stephens had a fiery faceoff with Conor McGregor. Additionally, “Big” [autotag]Ben Rothwell[/autotag] crowned himself BKFC heavyweight champion after knocking out Mick Terrill in just 36 seconds. We react and go over the bareknuckle boxing action.
  • [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] is back in the headlines. The UFC superstar was all over the map, as he was present for Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration where he ran into [autotag]Logan Paul[/autotag], who he’s had public discussions with about a potential boxing match. Additionally, he was in Philadelphia promoting BKFC’s KnuckleMania 5. We discuss the latest with the Irishman.
  • Global Fight League had its draft, making its first step towards inauguration this year. The newly minted MMA promotion hosted a draft show on Friday, where the leaders of six teams picked 20 fighters out of a pool of hundreds of notable MMA, including many former UFC and Bellator champions. We react to the team selections and this new format in MMA.
  • Looking ahead, the UFC returns with a Fight Night event across seas. UFC Fight Night 250 goes down this Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it features a big middleweight bout between [autotag]Israel Adesanya[/autotag] and [autotag]Nassourdine Imavov[/autotag] in its main event. We preview this bout, and others on the card, including [autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Michael Page[/autotag].

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Conor McGregor lashes out at Paul Hughes’ loss: ‘The Nurmagomedovs are not fighters’

Conor McGregor had harsh words for the Nurmagomedov family after his fellow Irishman Paul Hughes lost to Usman.

[autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] thinks [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] was robbed at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai and had strong words about Usman Nurmagomedov and his family.

McGregor was eager to see fellow Irishman Hughes (13-2) get his hand raised after putting on a stellar performance against Nurmagomedov (19-0) on Saturday, but the judges didn’t agree and he was on the wrong side of a majority decision.

The disdain for the Nurmagomedov name is no secret from McGregor, who lost to UFC Hall of Famer Khabib in October 2018 in the highest-selling fight in UFC history. He used the opportunity of Hughes’ defeat to unload on his rivals.

Tremendous fight and performance! Easy win for Hughes, he DOMINATED THAT FIGHT. And Umar exactly what it says on the tin, a Nurmagamedov. Runner, sprinter, bolter, scarper, scurrying “fighter”.
The Nurmagomedovs are not fighters. They are the most non fighting fighters out of Dagestan and all time. Run away around the cage and shoot ass bitches.Dagestan is better than the Nurmagomedovs and that is a FACT!

McGregor, 36, hasn’t seen combat sports competition since he suffered a broken leg in his July 2021 trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. He was scheduled to return from a nearly three-year layoff against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but withdrew due to a toe injury just a few weeks prior to the event.

Additionally, in November, McGregor was found liable for sexual assault by a jury in a case stemming from a 2018 incident.

He was recently in discussion for a boxing match with Logan Paul, but revealed UFC shut down the talks and weren’t interested. Now he claims to be waiting for a new date to return to the octagon.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

Paul Hughes reacts to ‘ridiculous’ scoring in Usman Nurmagomedov loss: ‘I deserve to have that belt’

Paul Hughes objects to the judges’ scorecards in his title-fight loss to Usman Nurmagomedov at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

[autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag] thinks he got a raw deal against [autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

Coming in as a sizeable underdog to the undefeated Bellator lightweight champion, Hughes (13-2) pushed Nurmagomedov (19-0) to his limit over five rounds of thrilling action in a majority decision defeat. He had significant momentum at multiple points in the fight, and raised his hands when the final bell sounded after 25 minutes.

Unfortunately for Hughes, however, his confidence didn’t match the scorecards of the three cageside judges. Even with Nurmagomedov being deducted a point for low blows in Round 3, two judges had it 48-46 in his favor, while the other had it a 47-47 draw. Nurmagomedov left with the belt and his undefeated record in tact, while Hughes left with a broken heart.

“We all thought I won that one,” Hughes said post-fight on Instagram. “I think the judges’ scorecards were pretty ridiculous. But I’ll watch it back with a clear mind. I’m just judging from the energy of the arena and everyone surrounding the cage that thought it was mine. I’m not going to make excuses, though. I should’ve pushed harder. And I will the next time. I know we’ll fight again.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFQ71bfMTXc

Another key moment in the fight Hughes felt where he lost some edge was when a accidental clash of heads in Round 4 led to a lengthy timeout in the action. He was cut open when Nurmagomedov was seemingly rocked, but the fight continued.

“I felt like the stoppage in the fourth round with the head clash, changed the momentum of the fight,” Hughes said. “I feel like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming on and I would’ve emptied the tank, but that changed the flow and he got recovery. Which, look, the head butt was a head butt. It was accidental. He has all the right to take that recovery.”

Although he is emotionally pained by the result and falling short of a major accomplishment in defeating Nurmagomedov, 26, it appears this will be a driving force for Hughes, 27, going forward. His desire for a rematch is strong, and he’s determined to leave no question about the better man next time.

“I’m obviously disappointed,” Hughes said. “I’m gutted. I’m proud of myself, but I need to get that back. I deserve to have that belt.”

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

Usman Nurmagomedov admits he underestimated Paul Hughes, shuts down immediate rematch

Usman Nurmagomedov may not have given Paul Hughes proper respect entering the fight – but he sure did exiting.

[autotag]Usman Nurmagomedov[/autotag] admits [autotag]Paul Hughes[/autotag]’ pre-fight accusation was accurate. He underestimated the Irishman ahead of their bout Saturday, but left the matchup with a completely different attitude.

In the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai main event, Nurmagomedov (19-0) defeated Hughes (13-2) by unanimous decision, but it was a battle. Nurmagomedov sees the experience as one he can learn from.

“To be honest, it was great fight for me,” Nurmagomedov said backstage after the event. “I go to the depths of the ocean. I know what I can do for the next time. I little underestimated this guy. That was a mistake, but whatever. Alhamdulillah, Alhamdulillah, no matter what. Of course, I’m human like everyone, every sportsman. I have some weaknesses. I have some strong ways, like strong sides. I’m not someone who cannot never lose. But in my mind, I’m never going to lose. Inshallah.

“Five rounds, I was thinking only how to finish him. Every round, I was following the goal to go finish him. I think this is my biggest mistake. For Allah, Alhamdulillah, I think it was a good fight, for the fans, first of all, and for me, too.”

As Nurmagomedov spoke, he processed the loss in real time, all the while sucking copious amounts of wind. The effects of the 25 minute fight were obvious. While there’s still much thinking and analyzing to do, Nurmagomedov said the decision not to travel to the United States to train with his main crew in the bout’s lead-up probably played a major role.

“I was without my team,” Nurmagomedov said. “I prepared for my fight without my team, without Khabib, without Islam, without my brother Umar, without Gadzhi. I was in the gym in Dagestan and I was alone.”

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As for what’s next, Nurmagomedov didn’t name what he wants. The suggestion of an immediate rematch, however, did not excite him. If Hughes wants another crack, he need to earn it, said Nurmagomedov.

“No, he have to earn with a couple two, three, four fights in (PFL),” Nurmagomedov said. “He had only two fights and they gave him title shot. But Paul Hughes, this is all my respect to this guy. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 percent chance to take this belt. Then, we can talk rematches.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.