Paul Hughes will channel his hero when he walks to the cage to face Usman Nurmagomedov.
The Belfast power puncher will challenge his arch-rival for the PFL lightweight championship in an eagerly-anticipated rematch on October 3 in Dubai, UAE.
The feud between the pair is bubbling past boiling point, with Nurmagomedov’s manager branding Hughes ’embarrassing’.
However, unfazed by his rival’s taunts, ‘Big News’ is ready to replicate a performance akin to one of his country’s finest and become a champion himself.
Oh no: Usman Nurmagomedov vs Paul Hughes 2 main card fight cancelled as PFL loses massive clash
Paul Hughes is inspired by Carl Frampton
Growing up in Belfast, Paul Hughes adored watching the legendary Carl Frampton.
‘The Jackal’, who unified the super bantamweight division in boxing before stepping up to featherweight and winning a world title there as well, has served as a massive source of inspiration for the mixed martial artist.
When asked by Bloody Elbow during a PFL media call whether Frampton is one of his biggest heroes, Paul replied: “Big time. I really look up to Carl.
“He’s a Belfast legend for sure. He’s the only two-weight champion to have come out of the island of Ireland.
“He’s such a nice guy, someone who I really respect and admire for how humble he is. He’s definitely someone I look up to.”
Paul Hughes could have a trilogy fight with Usman Nurmagomedov in a crazy venue
The first fight between Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov was nothing short of exceptional.
Having narrowly lost last time, the challenger is hoping to even the score against his nemesis.
And should he win, Hughes vs Nurmagomedov 3 could take place in a spectacular venue.