Latest news with #UsmanNurmagomedov
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
PFL announces title eliminator for Usman Nurmagomedov; Paul Hughes calls out 'rage bait'
PFL announces title eliminator for Usman Nurmagomedov; Paul Hughes calls out 'rage bait' PFL will determine the next title challenger for lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov this month, much to the dismay of Paul Hughes. The promotion announced on Friday that a lightweight title eliminator between Mansour Barnaouri and Archie Colgan has been added to its 2025 PFL World Tournament 6 event on June 20, which takes place at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan. (ESPN, ESPN+). According to the announcement post, the winner will be granted a fight against undefeated 155-pound Champions Series titleholder Nurmagomedov (19-0), who hasn't competed since a thrilling victory over Hughes (14-2) in January. The news seemingly came as a surprise and frustration to Hughes, who called for a rematch with Nurmagomedov after a quick knockout win over Bruno Miranda at 2025 PFL Europe 1 in Belfast in May. He quickly replied to the announcement post, labeling it as "rage bait." Barnaouri (22-6) is coming off a third-round submission of surging prospect Alfie Davis in November, which came after a first-roudn finish of Yusuke Yachi in May. Colgan (11-0), meanwhile, has put together an undefeated career so far that is highlighted by wins over former Bellator title contender Emmanuel Sanchez and UFC veteran Thibault Gouti. The latest lineup for 2025 PFL World Tournament 6 now includes:
Irish Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
MMA star Paul Hughes spotted enjoying pints in Belfast after homecoming triumph
Paul Hughes was seen enjoying some well-earned pints in Belfast after his fairytale homecoming at the SSE Arena on Saturday night. Hughes, 28, stopped Brazilian Bruno Miranda inside 42 seconds to fulfil what he called his boyhood dreams. And the lightweight star called in to Kelly's Cellars pub in Belfast on Sunday for a well-deserved pint of Guinness. An emotional Hughes said after his triumph on Saturday: "Dreams can come true, dreams can come true. Needing time to compose himself, he said: "Absolutely (the support helps). My dreams came true tonight." Hughes has won 14 of his 16 professional MMA fights and is quickly making a name for himself. He is now eyeing a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov, whom he lost to on points when the pair met in January "Usman Nurmagomedov," he roared into the microphone before saying, "He can run, he can hide, but his day is coming."
The Irish Sun
11-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
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 2 Paul Hughes made light work of Bruno Miranda in Belfast on Saturday Credit: X - @PFLMMA 2 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. read more on mma 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." Most read in MMA 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
BBC News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hughes wants Nurmagomedov rematch after Miranda TKO
Paul Hughes has called on the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to stage his rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov "as soon as possible".The Derry fighter secured an emphatic 42-second knockout victory over Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday night and immediately targeted a second bout with the Bellator lightweight the pair met in January, Nurmagomedov extended his unbeaten streak to 19 fights after the judges scored the fight 47-47, 48-46, 48-46 in his favour."[A rematch] has to be next," said Hughes."Make the fight as soon as possible. The PFL would be absolutely crazy not to make that fight next. Let's make it happen."I believe I'm one of the best, pound-for-pound, on the planet. I think that when I get the fight and beat Usman, that will be the proof."Hughes had previously called for a rematch to be staged in Belfast but said it would now "probably be in Dubai".Likely headed on the road for his next fight, the 28-year-old savoured his homecoming victory over Miranda as he returned as headliner to the same venue where he had made his debut in 2017."I will never, ever forget the entire experience," he added."That's something I'll go to the grave with."It's so good it doesn't feel real. I need to pinch myself."
Extra.ie
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
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?'
