Paul Hughes Fires Back at Usman Nurmagomedov Over ‘Death’ Claim
"Wait till you see the next one," says Paul Hughes, teasing for what's to come when he runs it back with nemesis Usman Nurmagomedov, having already delivered the 'greatest fight in PFL history'.
Nurmagomedov, holder of the PFL lightweight title, and Hughes put on the greatest fight in the promotion's history following their thrilling back-and-forth battle at PFL Champion Series - Road to Dubai last January.
The two elite lightweights, both in their athletic prime, renew hostilities on October 3 in what promises to be a must-see fight.
Naturally, both men have pushed their body and mind to the limits to ensure victory in Dubai.
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Hughes enters the highly-anticipated rematch having fought last May when he made light work of Bruno Miranda, stopping him inside one minute.
As for Nurmagomedov, he hasn't fought since his war with Hughes at the start of the year - with the Irishman ready to capitalise on his rival's lack of activity, having levelled up in his latest training camp.
Asked if his preparation stands him in better stead, he told SPORTbible: "Yeah absolutely! Everyone's different, maybe some people would of preferred that longer period of time to do just skill work and not push the body.
"But for someone like me, I just learn so much with each training camp. I'm always looking to optimise so just having more feedback is a very positive thing for me and then to obviously go out and have another fight, another win, another knockout... it's all positive."
Nurmagomedov, unbeaten in 20 professional fights, says he's prepared to 'die' in the cage if that's what it takes to secure another win over Hughes.
But Nurmagomedov's claim is no different to how any top-level MMA fighter would feel ahead of a big fight.
Well, that's according to the 28-year-old Belfast star, who believes everyone at 'this level' is prepared to die.
"To be honest, when you're at this level, we are all prepared to die," he explained. "Of course, you are ready to die in there. If you weren't, you wouldn't be properly prepared for a five-round fight in my opinion that's how I see it."
Nurmagomedov and Hughes are destined to meet for a third time if the latter snatches the PFL lightweight title away from the current king. Given their status in the sport and their motivation, not to mention their drama-fuelled first meeting, it lends to a rematch that could eclipse their original showdown.
Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 is shaping up to be the fight of the year and that's saying something considering how their first fight went down.
Paul Hughes relishes PFL title fight in Dubai
PFL are committed to expanding its presence in the Middle East and supporting the growth of MMA across the UAE and the region, with big-time events taking place in Dubai - including October 3rd's clash between Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2.
And that's music to the ears of Hughes, who considers Dubai his second home.
"Dubai is sick, I love being here," he added. "I done my last camp here. Been here many, many times... it's starting to feel like a second home to be honest."
Dubai is viewed as home ground for Nurmagomedov considering Islam is the official religion but Hughes received an electric reception upon entering the Coca Cola Arena last January.
Asked whether Dubai is neutral territory for both fighters, he replied: "You're right... I did get a big pop with the walkout. We'll see a little bit of a difference this time. I think this time will be a little bit more split. Don't get me wrong, not all Russians love the Nurmagomedovs... some of them will be cheering for me. As will some Irish probably want to see me get beat, too."
Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 1 was the first major MMA event in the city of Dubai and 'Big News' recognises his part in making history.
"It's a great honour," he said. "I think we made history the first time, the first global MMA promotion to be in Dubai. I would love to fight here as often as I can."
Nasir Jabbar