PFL superstar Paul Hughes used a Tom Aspinall-inspired technique to send a message to his former rival.
Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov spoiled fight fans with one of the year’s instant classic matchups at PFL Champions Series 1 in January. Months after their fight, tensions remain thick between Hughes and Nurmagomedov amid growing calls for the two lightweights to run it back.
Hughes hasn’t fought since knocking out Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds in May at PFL Europe 1. While he wasn’t on the card at PFL Europe 2 on Saturday, Hughes took the opportunity to support his colleagues while sitting cageside in Brussels.
But while Hughes was off the clock at PFL Europe 2, he took some time to taunt his biggest rival during the telecast.
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Paul Hughes sends a message to Usman Nurmagomedov amid resurfaced rematch talks
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall taunted Jon Jones earlier this year at UFC London, holding up a plastic duck on the broadcast in a shot at his longtime foe. But Aspinall’s attempts at getting under Jones’s skin didn’t produce a heavyweight showdown, after Jones retired from MMA last month.
During the PFL Europe 2 broadcast, Hughes mimicked Aspinall’s viral moment by taunting Nurmagomedov with another toy duck.
As of this writing, Nurmagomedov hasn’t publicly responded to Hughes. Nurmagomedov implored Hughes to win at least one more fight before making the case for a rematch.
The PFL recently teased Nurmagomedov’s next fight as they announced that the Archie Colgan vs. Mansour Barnaoui winner at PFL World Tournament 6 would be his next opponent. Colgan won the fight by unanimous decision.
Hughes wasn’t happy with the PFL’s decision to give the nod to Colgan for Nurmagomedov’s next fight. It’s uncertain if Hughes will opt to sit out as Nurmagomedov prepares to face Colgan, or if he’ll take another fight against another budding contender.
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Tom Aspinall could finally get Jon Jones matchup after former champ teases comeback
A UFC return timeline hasn’t been set for Aspinall’s first undisputed heavyweight title defense. Several potential opponents, including Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, have been tossed around for Aspinall’s next fight.
Just weeks after announcing his retirement, Jones revealed he’s re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool, prompting speculation of a comeback. Jones’s coach recently confirmed that the former UFC heavyweight champion has re-entered the pool as he plots a potential return to the Octagon.
As the UFC heavyweight division moves on from Jones, Aspinall has his eyes on other potential challenges. But the Aspinall vs. Jones showdown might not be a fantasy for much longer.
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