Paul Hughes says the PFL would be “crazy” if they didn’t set up his rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov.
The Derry fighter wants to set the record straight against his old foe after needing 42 seconds to knockout Bruno Miranda in Belfast on Saturday.
The duo battled in January, with the 27-year-old Russian winning by a narrow but controversial points decision.
Now Hughes wants his shot at redemption and his chance to become the Bellator lightweight champion. He said: “[A rematch] has to be next.
“Make the fight as soon as possible. The PFL would be absolutely crazy not to make that fight next. Let’s make it happen.
“I believe I’m one of the best, pound-for-pound, on the planet. I think that when I get the fight and beat Usman, that will be the proof.”
Hughes, who carries the Ireland tricolour flag, would prefer to fight at the SSE Arena in Belfast but admitted his rematch is likely to be in Dubai.
Nurmagomedov opened the door for a rematch but insisted it will only happen when it’s convenient for him. Taking to Instagram to comment on Hughes’ victory, he said: “Congratulations. Good job.
“We will do it again, but when I say.”
Hughes’ victory over Miranda was brutal, and it sent the home crowd wild. After catching a high kick, he landed a hook on his Brazilian opponent that dropped him to the deck.
In the blink of an eye, it was over.
“Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run, you can try and delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is f****** coming,” he bellowed into the microphone while standing in the arena.
His victory ensured Hughes’ record now stands at 14-2 with career defeats against Jordan Vucenic and Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov, who remains unbeaten after 20 fights, is the cousin of UFC legend Khabib. He famously submitted Conor McGregor back in 2018.
Categories
- Athletics (5)
- Aussie Rules (1)
- Basketball (12)
- Camogie (3)
- College American football (1)
- Combat (185)
- Cricket (17)
- Cycling (4)
- Darts (36)
- Editors-picks (13)
- Football (1210)
- Formula-1 (14)
- GAA (308)
- Golf (162)
- Hockey (1)
- Horse Racing (172)
- interviews (3)
- LGFA (3)
- MLB Baseball (2)
- NFL (23)
- ROI Radar (1)
- Rowing (1)
- Rugby (188)
- Snooker (6)
- Swimming (3)
- Tennis (17)
- Uncategorized (17)
- WWE (1)
