Archie Colgan is confident that he has earned the next opportunity to challenge lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov for the title. He was eager to return to action upon hearing that his next fight would be a No. 1 contender`s match, with the winner securing a shot at Nurmagomedov`s belt.
While this news was welcomed by Colgan, it was less so for Paul Hughes, who has been seeking a rematch with Nurmagomedov since their close majority decision loss in January. When the PFL initially announced Colgan`s bout against Mansour Barnaoui with these stakes, Hughes reacted online, calling it “rage bait.”
Although Hughes may eventually get another title opportunity, Colgan asserts that his recent fight was consistently presented as a No. 1 contender`s bout. He believes he has now rightfully earned the title shot following his decisive victory over Barnaoui.
“I had known that going into it,” Colgan stated. “My manager Ali Abdelaziz had told me my next fight was going to be a No. 1 contender fight.”
“I do expect to fight Usman next,” Colgan affirmed. “If I didn`t, labeling it a No. 1 contender`s fight would have made no sense. They should have just called it a showcase fight then. They couldn`t have been clearer than saying `the No. 1 contender`s fight` and the winner fights Usman Nurmagomedov. So, as of now, I fully expect to be the next person to face Usman.”
Colgan understands Hughes` potential frustration, especially after Hughes secured a quick finish in his most recent fight to rebound from the earlier loss to Nurmagomedov. However, Colgan emphasizes that he has earned this chance through his impressive 12-0 record and steady ascent in the lightweight division.
“No disrespect to Paul Hughes,” Colgan commented. “I think he’s a great fighter. I believe Paul Hughes had his opportunity and he delivered a great fight, a very good fight, but he fell a little short. That was his chance at the time. I think I am due that next opportunity. I don’t plan on falling short.”
Despite how close Hughes came to winning, he ultimately lost a narrow decision on the judges` scorecards.
In their fight, Hughes showcased excellent takedown defense and grappling skills, neutralizing some of Nurmagomedov`s key strengths, particularly his wrestling. Colgan acknowledges that Hughes posed challenges in that area but promises a significantly different dynamic when he steps into the cage.
Before becoming a top lightweight prospect, Colgan was a distinguished wrestler at the University of Wyoming. He is confident he presents problems for Nurmagomedov that Hughes couldn`t.
“That is the point; at least, that’s my point,” Colgan explained. “Not only will taking me down be difficult for him, and he’ll know beforehand that this guy has a strong wrestling foundation, making grappling exchanges harder, but also, what happens when he gets taken down? He’s never really had to view fights from that angle.”
“What happens when this opponent takes me down? What happens when I have to regain my base, stand up, and fight hands to get back on my feet? That’s not just a possibility; it’s going to happen. I will get takedowns; I will score takedowns. I agree he`ll probably take me down; he’s a very high-level fighter, I’m aware of that, and I’m prepared to be taken down. No offense to Paul, but I pose an offensive threat with my wrestling, not just a defensive threat of stopping your takedowns, but I’ll take you down.”
Currently, Colgan states the PFL has not yet scheduled the fight, but he anticipates facing Nurmagomedov around October or November.
Assuming he wins, Colgan is open to any challenges the PFL presents. Perhaps then Hughes could get another chance at the title, but for now, according to Colgan, he needs to wait in line.
“Of course, I would fight Paul Hughes,” Colgan confirmed. “At that point, the champion calls the shots. You’re the champ, you own the belt, you become the hunted. Whoever they deem fit to be the challenger. Just like I`m lined up now, there will be a list.”
“I`m sure Usman would want a rematch [if I win]. I`m sure Paul Hughes would want his chance. Then there’s obviously the tournament winner – probably Gadzhi Rabadanov, in my opinion. There’s going to be a list of guys.”
Murray Blackwood