
Paul Hughes lands stunning 42-second KO on PFL return and calls out Usman Nurmagomedov for title rematch
DERRY MMA star Paul Hughes made a spectacular return to the PFL on Saturday night.
The former
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Paul Hughes made light work of Bruno Miranda in Belfast on Saturday
Credit: X - @PFLMMA
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The talented Irish lightweight has now called for a 155lbs title rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov
The Irishman connected with a perfectly timed left hook that sent Miranda crashing to the canvas.
And 'Big News' swiftly closed the show with follow-up strikes in the
Hughes soaked in the electric atmosphere with his walkout and post-fight celebration.
The Lavey native made his professional debut at the arena eight-years earlier with the now defunct promotion, BAMMA - it was one of the most impressive debuts in Irish MMA history.
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Speaking after the statement lightweight win, Hughes called for a title rematch.
He stated: "I wish it went on a little longer, I know people wanted to see a scrap, but what do you do, I just hit too hard.
"I made my professional debut in this exact arena over eight years ago and every single time I drove past it I said, 'I am going to fight there someday' and tonight my dream came true.
"We're a small wee country but we're doing big things on the world stage. I hope I represent you all well, because I am going to the top."
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And on his potential rematch with the 155lbs kingpin, Hughes said: "Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run and you can try delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is coming."
A rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov is expected to take place this September in Dubai with the PFL lightweight title on the line.
Inside Patrice Evra's TEN YEAR plot to make MMA debut with Man Utd legend to have France icons walk him to cage

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- Irish Examiner
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Kasey McAteer makes case for Republic of Ireland future with goal on first start after Leicester City setbacks
KASEY McATEER is determined to ensure that he cannot be ignored for neither club nor country. The winger marked his first Ireland start with a goal 2 Kasey McAteer scored on his first Republic of Ireland start against Senegal on Friday 2 Kasey McAteer is eager to become a regular starter for Ireland And he is determined to build on increased minutes for McAteer is planning to stay with the Foxes despite interest from Sunderland, despite believing it can be sometimes harder for a player who has come through the ranks as he has done. He said: 'It doesn't matter. That's the plan. read more on football 'I mean, I've been at Leicester since I was eight years old, so I'd never turn my back on the club. It's a club where I've grown, I've loved, I've supported. 'For now, I'm fully focused on Ireland. I'll get away in the summer, get a holiday, refresh, regroup and start preseason for Leicester fighting and get us back into the Premier League, where we deserve to be. 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So hopefully I can keep that going on and get myself in the starting XI.' CLUB AND COUNTRY On his previous omissions, he said: 'It was explained to me that it's because I'm not playing at my club, that obviously the boys who are playing for their club every weekend, they deserve to play for their country. 'And I understand that. Obviously I didn't take it well, I wanted to be here. I want to play, play as many games as I can. 'I've regular contact with him, not just when squads are being announced. "But when I'm not playing, when I am playing, to see how I'm doing and stuff. And that's really good to get from a manager that's obviously behind me wanting to do well. 'When the gaffer told me I was starting I was really, really happy. And I just hoped that I would prove my best to this team, and to get my first start, my first goal gives me massive confidence. 'Hopefully, I can take that in my stride and keep growing.' 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