Latest news with #PFLBelfast
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
UFC 315 reaction, Sean Brady, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Aiemann Zahabi, Paul Hughes, more The Ariel Helwani Show
UFC 315 reaction, Sean Brady, Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Aiemann Zahabi, Paul Hughes, more | The Ariel Helwani Show | May 12, 2025 The Ariel Helwani Show is BACK ... IN ... YOUR ... LIFE! Join Ariel and the Boys In The Back as they react to the busy weekend in combat sports. Monday's rundown can be seen below: 1 p.m. ET: Ariel and the gang kick off the week by reacting to UFC 315 and more. Advertisement 2:15 p.m. ET: Sean Brady checks in after the big welterweight weekend. 2:40 p.m. ET: Aiemann Zahabi returns following his UFC 315 win over Jose Aldo. 3 p.m. ET: Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff stop by to discuss their latest venture. 3:15 p.m. ET: Izzy Martinez joins Hogan and Bischoff. 3:45 p.m. ET: Paul Hughes calls in following his monster 42-second knockout at PFL Belfast.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
In Belfast, Paul Hughes owned the night — and the nation
Paul Hughes needed just 42 seconds to establish himself as the face of Irish MMA on Saturday. (Jose Peí±uela / PFL) BELFAST, Northern Ireland — A blind man could have told you what nationality Paul Hughes was Saturday night at PFL Belfast. As the evening's featured attraction neared, Foy Vance's rendition of "Grace" — a ballad about Joseph Plunkett, a leader of the 1916 Easter Rising, marrying his love Grace Gifford hours before his execution — hit the assembly like a gut punch, transforming the chaos into a respectful chorus. Advertisement Hughes hit the ramp as soon as Nipsey Hussle's 'Victory Lap' hit the sound system. Men of a similar age poured themselves over metal barriers roaring words of encouragement as the Irishman prepared to fight in the same venue where he made his professional debut eight years before. Just before he hit the final check point, he turned back to his Fight Academy Ireland (FAI) coaches Liam Shannon and Pat McAlister, and his boxing coach Donard McNally. While Hughes was certainly the reason why the overwhelming majority of people had parted with their hard-earned money at the door, his brief pause felt like a nod to the hub that FAI has built in Belfast, on a night where it would be unequivocally heralded as the biggest MMA hotbed on the island. Advertisement The visiting headliner, Bruno Miranda, paced back and forth, stimulated by the energy in the venue. Hughes cut a stoic figure, completely still in prayer, preparation or otherwise. Paul Hughes enters the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Jose Peí±uela / PFL) (Jose Peí±uela) A group of four men wearing Paul Hughes t-shirts acted as my compass to the Common Market as soon as I touched down in Belfast. The doors of the famed Odyssey Complex venue hosting the event didn't open for another two hours but already hundreds of the Hughes faithful were gathered, being serenaded by folk singers and bursting into sporadic chants of 'Hughesy, Hughesy, Hughesy' whenever an opportunity presented itself. Advertisement Nobody was particularly concerned about Miranda, the Derry man's opponent. Each time they were asked for a prediction, Hughes' devotees would insist that the fight wouldn't leave the first round, some believed it wouldn't last a minute. 'Big News' confirmed his elite level in a close run bout with undefeated PFL champion Usman Nurmagomedov in January, but tonight was about showing the world what he meant to his people. And it wasn't only Irish in the assembly — members of 'The Big News Crew' had ported in the town that built the Titanic from New York, London, Dubai and Glasgow, among others. A lull in the tunes signalled it was time to leave. Off they went in their droves, taking the 15-minute stroll past Sammy The Seal, The Big Fish, across The River Lagan, down Sydenham Road and into the Odyssey. Irish fans pack into the SSE Arena for PFL Belfast. (Carlos Vela / PFL) (Carlos Vela) Alan Philpott's placement in the co-main event felt like a sensible nod to the Northern Irish scene from the PFL. In the Ballymena man's corner was Rodney Moore, who had coached Norman Parke to a win under the same roof in one of the great All-Ireland clashes against Paul Redmond eight years before — the same night Hughes made his first bow. Advertisement It wasn't just them, as all around the arena were famed fighting Northmen. UFC's Rhys McKee took up his position beside the cage at the beginning of the event. Joe McColgan ran back and forth from the locker rooms to see his teammates compete, and back again to help prepare the next one for action. When the main card began, Caolan Loughran appeared cage side, soon to be announced as the PFL's latest signing. I wondered if David Patterson was there, one of the founding fathers of Irish MMA. Having been on the frontlines for the inception of the sport on the island, it must be a strange feeling to see a fledgling pro he once trained at Derry's Elite Fighting Revolution as the face of the national sport. The sound of a heartbeat suddenly pulsated through the speakers, mirroring the adrenaline that was coursing through the crowd. Vance appeared at centerstage and the first note he sang invited the gathering to join in. Irish singer-songwriter Foy Vance serenades Paul Hughes into the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Jose Peí±uela / PFL) (Jose Peí±uela) The roar that erupted from the crowd was like a burning building, each voice a gust of wind fanning the flames. Advertisement Miranda lay motionless as Hughes spiraled around with his hands on his head, eventually climbing atop the cage, savoring the moment as plastic beer cups soared through the air in celebration. He gave his audience their reward in just 42 seconds. Catching Miranda's kick with his left hand, he used the same limb to scoop the leg across before returning it to the Brazilian's jaw a split-second later. It was Hughes' night and the city moved all around him. What he created at PFL Belfast wasn't the sequel to previous glories, nor was his billing due to his proximity to storied legends who had come before him. No, the love he received from his people told the world: 'He is adored, he is elite — and he represents us.' Advertisement They bayed again when he made the inevitable call for his rematch with Nurmagomedov, a declaration that occupied headlines all over the world. The climax had come in the form of a Hughes victory, but the night was still young. Off they went in their droves, out of the Odyssey, up Sydenham Road, across the River Lagan, past The Big Fish and Sammy The Seal, and back to the Common Market to dance the night away.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
PFL Belfast Delivers Drama as Paul Hughes and Bruno Miranda Battle for Supremacy
PFL Belfast Delivers Drama as Paul Hughes and Bruno Miranda Battle for Supremacy (Image Source: Getty Images) Paul Hughes and Bruno Miranda staged an electrifying main event as PFL Europe held its first-ever 2025 card in Belfast and provided world-class mixed martial arts for a fervent Northern Irish crowd. The lightweight showcase bout was the main attraction of the Saturday's high-spirited event at the SSE Arena, where fans were treated to an important moment in the history of European MMA as the Professional Fighters League continued to broaden its wings across the continent with this marquee fight between two of the most talented fighters in the sport. Northern Ireland's hometown hero faces Brazilian veteran Paul Hughes from Derry, Northern Ireland, entered the contest with his technical striking arsenal and well-rounded skill set. Operation Sindoor 'Common sense prevailed': Trump on India-Pak ceasefire on Truth Social 'Pakistan initiated call; both nations agreed to stop military action after direct talks', says India Ceasefire took effect at 5pm; top India, Pak military officials to talk again on May 12 The 28-year-old fighter was ready to justify the increasing feeling that he should have a hand raised in January's title fight against Nurmagomedov. Paul Hughes' rise up Cage Warriors' ladder culminating in his victory over AJ McKee Jr. under the Bellator banner made him one of Ireland's top MMA talents. The life-changing encounter had major ramifications for Paul Hughes, who walked into the cage determined to get back from his controversial majority decision loss to Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov earlier this year. The chance for Bruno Miranda to battle a rising star on hostile soil was a career-defining moment for him after his great win over former Bellator champion Patricky Pitbull in 2024. Bruno 'Robusto' Miranda went into the bout with the advantage of experience, having 22 professional MMA fights in addition to a lot of kickboxing and Muay Thai competition. The Brazilian fighter admitted a curious link to his opponent, as he had trained on the same mats with Paul Hughes in 2016 at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand, when the Irishman was an amateur. Tournament action showcases Europe's rising lightweight talent Apart from the main attraction, PFL Europe: Belfast showcased four important lightweight tournament fights that inaugurated the 2025 season. Connor Hughes had to face Sebastien Di Franco, Mark Ewen had to fight Alex Chizov, Claudio Pacella had to meet Gavin Hughes, and Decky McAleenan had to clash with Gino Van Steenis, as these competitors started their journey to the championship glory and the significant financial rewards that come with PFL success. Lewis McGrillen against Alan Philpott in a bantamweight tournament was the co-main event of the event, with Lewis McGrillen aiming to improve on his 2024 campaign that saw him record two knockouts. Those fans wanting to watch the full card can stream the event on the DAZN streaming platform in the UK and Ireland. Also Read: Georges St-Pierre finally answers who pushed him the hardest in his iconic career This electrifying night of fights saw Belfast solidify its status as a hotbed for combat sports talent and a place where passionate fans were not only there for the spectacle but also to support the future of mixed martial arts superstars as PFL Europe works to find and nurture the next generation of mixed martial arts superstars.
USA Today
12-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Paul Hughes headlines PFL Belfast event vs. Bruno Miranda on May 10
PFL standout Paul Hughes will return to home soil for his next fight. Hughes (13-2) takes on Bruno Miranda (17-5) in the PFL Belfast main event May 10 at SSE Arena, promotion officials announced Wednesday morning. 𝘽𝙄𝙂 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 𝙑𝙎. 𝙍𝙊𝘽𝙐𝙎𝙏𝙊 💥 Paul Hughes takes on Brazilian knockout artist Bruno Miranda in a blockbuster lightweight main event on May 10 at #PFLBelfast! Returning home after a razor close decision loss to Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai, @paulhughesmma completes a… — PFL Europe (@PFLEurope) March 12, 2025 Hughes is coming off a majority decision defeat to Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai headliner this past January, a fight he thought he won. The loss snapped the 27-year-old's seven-fight winning streak. Brazil's Miranda most recently competed in June when he defeated Patricky Freire by split decision in the second round of the 2024 PFL lightweight season. The win snapped a two-fight losing skid.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Paul Hughes opponent named as journey to Usman Nurmagomedov rematch begins
Paul Hughes's opponent at PFL Belfast has been named, as the Northern Irishman takes on Bruno Miranda in a bid to set up a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov. In January, Hughes suffered a controversial majority-decision loss to Nurmagomedov, who retained the PFL lightweight title and remained unbeaten. Hughes, 27, was quick to call for a rematch with the Russian, 26, but 'Big News' must wait. First, he headlines a home show in Belfast, meeting Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena on 10 May. Earlier in March, Hughes wrote on Instagram: 'Apparently Usman needs a wee break. So who the f*** wants it?' Miranda, 34, has a professional record of 17-5. In his last bout, the Brazilian won a split decision over Patricky Pitbull to bounce back from two straight losses. Meanwhile, Hughes is 13-2 as a pro, and his narrow loss to Nurmagomedov ended a seven-fight win streak. Although Hughes fights out of Northern Ireland, he also carries Ireland's tricolour flag.
