Fans have their say as Paul Hughes 'dreams come true' in Belfast
Derryman Paul Hughes has said his 'dreams came true' on Saturday night following a victory just 42 seconds into his fight in the Octagon on Saturday night.
The 28-year-old's homecoming bout saw him come face to face with Brazilian Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
The typically calm and collected fighter was overcome with emotion as he jumped onto the cage to an eruption of roars from the crowd.
The victory comes not long after Hughes' defeat against Usman Nurmagomedov, younger cousin of well-known star Khabib.
Earlier in the year, the Lavey native went up against Nurmagomedov for the Bellator World Lightweight title in Dubai with the fight going down to the judges' score cards.
One judge gave the contest a draw at 47-47, while the other two scored it 48-46 to Nurmagomedov. The victory comes not long after Hughes' defeat against Usman Nurmagomedov, younger cousin of well-known star Khabib. Pic: Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images
Following his victory on Saturday, Paul is now looking towards a rematch with Nurmagomedov, calling the Russian mixed martial artist out in the Octagon.
'USMAN NURMADOMEDOV,' he roared, 'You can run, you can try to delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is coming.'
Taking to Instagram post-fight, Paul shared a series of clips from the contest where he extended his thanks to his supporters, and reiterated his calls for a title rematch.
The world should've been able to see this tonight so they could understand what Paul Hughes means to these people.
One of the best atmospheres I've experienced covering the sport for 15+ years on this island. — Peter Carroll (@PetesyCarroll) May 10, 2025
'THANK YOU BELFAST,' he wrote, 'My dreams came through tonight. @usman_nurmagomedov YOUR TIME IS COMING.'
Viewers and fans took to X to have their say on the PFL [Professional Fighters League] Belfast show, with many aggrieved that the event wasn't streamed.
Should go without saying, but the PFL need to go all-in on Paul Hughes. He is it. He's is the guy. He is the star. Make the Usman Nurmagomedov rematch next.
And put it in Belfast. — Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) May 10, 2025
One said: 'The world should've been able to see this tonight so they could understand what Paul Hughes means to these people.
'One of the best atmospheres I've experienced covering the sport for 15+ years on this island.'
PFL not airing this Paul Hughes fight in the United States is so stupid Guy has a banger fight against 18-0 Usman Nurmagomedov and his bounce-back main event is just….not available? What?
Donn Davis better have an explanation on LinkedIn by EOD – shameful! 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️ — Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) May 10, 2025
Another added: 'Should go without saying, but the PFL need to go all-in on Paul Hughes. He is it. He is the guy. He is the star.
'Make the Usman Nurmagomedov rematch next. And put it in Belfast.'
A third shared: 'PFL not airing this Paul Hughes fight in the United States is so stupid.
'Guy has a banger fight against 18-0 Usman Nurmagomodev and his bound-back main event is just… not available? What?'
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