PFL superstars Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov could be on a rematch collision course.
After Paul Hughes knocked out Bruno Miranda at PFL Europe 1 in May, attention turned towards a potential Hughes vs. Usman Nurmagomedov rematch. But weeks after the Miranda fight, the Hughes vs. Nurmagomedov runback appears no closer to coming to fruition.
Hughes and Nurmagomedov spoiled fight fans with one of the best bouts of the year in January, with Nurmagomedov earning a majority decision win. It was easily the toughest test of Nurmagomedov’s career after a dominant start to his time in the cage.
While Hughes and Nurmagomedov shared mutual respect after their five-round war, tensions have escalated in recent months over plotting the second chapter of their rivalry. After the PFL teased an unpopular plan for Nurmagomedov’s next fight, Hughes decided to reach out to Nurmagomedov to get some clarity on what’s next for both stars.
Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov texted about a PFL rematch
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Hughes revealed what Nurmagomedov messaged him after inquiring about a lightweight rematch.
“The Dubai government has more leverage than one man. So the fight must happen, it’ll happen in September or October of this year. I’m fed up with all this b—— that I might as well go straight to the source. And from what he said last week, he said ‘You have to win one more fight, brother'” Hughes alleged.
“And at the end of the day, he’s not the f—— boss, so this fight is happening. He’s trying to delay this fight, it’s that clear. He probably shouldn’t’ve texted me back…he knows I’m going to get him next time. This is everything to me, I’m not sure this is everything to him, to be completely honest.
“And his day is coming as I said in the post-fight interview, he can try to delay this as long as he wants, but his day is coming.”
Nurmagomedov recently outlined a major condition for the Hughes rematch, claiming that it’ll come to fruition on his terms. But after Hughes’s recent admission, the PFL might have its hands full trying to secure the rematch.
Hughes and Nurmagomedov are undoubtedly two of the PFL’s biggest stars, at a time in which the league is undergoing significant roster changes. Patricio ‘Pitbull’, Aaron Pico, and Patchy Mix are a few top names to leave the league in recent months.
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Paul Hughes/Usman Nurmagomedov result reignited Dagestan vs. Ireland rivalry
The Hughes vs. Nurmagomedov rivalry reignited the Dagestan vs. Ireland MMA war, which was first introduced by Conor McGregor and Usman’s cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov. Tensions remain thick between McGregor and Khabib years after their clash at UFC 229.
But Hughes and McGregor’s relationship deteriorated following the first Nurmagomedov fight. After Hughes’s loss, McGregor went on a wild social media tirade in reaction to Hughes sharing a cordial post-fight moment in the cage with Khabib.
The PFL could potentially provide some clarity on what’s next for Hughes and Nurmagomedov before their World Tournament concludes. Whether it’s immediate, or months away, the Hughes vs. Nurmagomedov rematch is at the top of MMA fans’ wish list.