Paul Hughes sets sight on Usman Nurmagomedov rematch

May 7, 2025

Paul Hughes is aiming to waste little time in knocking out Bruno Miranda before targeting a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov.

The PFL star fights Miranda in his hometown of Belfast on Saturday at the SSE Arena. The headline fight is his first since his lightweight title defeat to Nurmagomedov in January.

Hughes, who carries Ireland’s tricolour flag, took the undefeated Russian all the way, but controversially suffered a majority-decision loss. He’s heavy favourite to get back to winning ways against Miranda and believes he’ll get the job done in the first round.

Speaking to DAZN, the 28-year-old said: “I think he’s very dangerous. I think that he’s someone that I absolutely have to take seriously.

“First-round, knockout. I will certainly be calling for Usman Nurmagomedov after I get that KO victory. I think he’s one of the best fighters in the world.

“Whenever I get the rematch, I’m going to knock this guy clean out. I’m going to put more pressure on him early and really damage him at the early ends of the fight.”

Hughes was also asked why he didn’t compete in the World Light Tournament, in which he responded: “Because I want that world title against Usman. I also have the opportunity to fight at home in Belfast, so that is more important to me than anything.”

His decision to carry Ireland’s tricolour flag sparked a furious reaction from Conor McGregor earlier this year. Following the defeat to Nurmagomedov, The Notorious wrote on social media: “Get that flag off you, you little know-what-you-are c*** from up there. Up the real Irish, f*** these vermin f***s.”

Hughes would later respond to the now-deleted posts: “Always said you were the GOAT, paid homage at every opportunity. Coming at my Irish identity just shows where your head is at.”

Irish soccer star James McClean jumped to Hughes’ defence by writing: “Paul Hughes, proper Irishman, keep flying that flag high. Class act that fellow Northerners and fellow IRISH are PROUD of.”

Read: Heavyweight legend Mike Tyson reveals his favourite Irish fighters