If you missed tonight’s PFL title fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes; you missed an incredible back-and-forth war, one that’s already being labeled as a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender.
The Irishman was an enormous underdog heading into the PFL lightweight title fight, with his rivalry with the Dagestani’s almost reaching boiling point several times throughout Fight Week.
Yet under the bright lights of the Coca-Cola Arena, ‘Big News’ put on a career-best performance against one of the best lightweights in the world… And there’s one moment that’s going viral on social media more than any other.
Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes is a straight-up savage, and now the world knows it too
If Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes wasn’t considered one of the most savage 155lbers on planet Earth before, he certainly is now after going 25 hard minutes against undefeated superstar Usman Nurmagomedov.
Whilst Nurmagomedov ultimately retained his title with the majority decision win, Hughes can hold his head up high knowing that there’s an army of new fans behind him.
That’s partially thanks to when in the fourth round, after an unfortunate clash of heads brought a temporary reprieve to the chaos, Hughes would (almost maniacally) smile to the crowd before wiping his blood around his forehead and gum shield.
A truly wild moment, and one that’s understandably gone viral on social media with a whole host of fans and well-known MMA superstars coming out to celebrate Hughes’ savageness.
Dustin ‘The Diamond’ Poirier wrote on X, “Paul Hughes is legit,” with Jake Paul stating, “Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do, congrats my guy, you won regardless of the outcome, big ups to both men.”
Usman Nurmagomedov wholeheartedly agrees with that assessment, telling Dan Hardy after getting his hand raised that Hughes gave him the single toughest fight of his career.
Usman and Khabib Nurmagomedov celebrate Paul Hughes’ fighting spirit
In the world of professional Mixed Martial Arts, is there a single bigger compliment than a Nurmagomedov admitting that they underestimated you?
Probably, but that’s still an insane accomplishment for anyone to achieve.
“Paul Hughes, brother, you are the man brother, you are really the man,” celebrated Usman Nurmagomedov of his barely vanquished foe.
“Honestly, I underestimated this guy, that was my mistake but still undefeated, undisputed lightweight champion… He’s tough, he’s strong, I didn’t think you would be that strong brother, but you are really strong.
“You tell me in the face-to-face that this was my mistake, and you were right brother, thank you so much… I never taken this [much] damage as I take in this fight, I have a lot of pain in my body – thank you for this fight.”
Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was also handed the microphone and had an important message for the crowd.
“I just want to say one thing, all these things began from my side and the other guy when we were fighting, but don’t forget – Ireland is the biggest supporter in the world for Palestine.
“Don’t forget about this, we love you guys… Inside the cage, it’s only competition, MMA is only respect, we love you guys because you support our brothers in Palestine. Thank you so much, Paul, thank you so much.”