Paul Hughes fully expects to face Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov again in the future, but he wasn`t surprised that an immediate rematch wasn`t granted after their initial bout.
Their fight in January resulted in a very close majority decision favoring Nurmagomedov. Hughes promptly requested a quick turnaround for a second fight, but Nurmagomedov stated that the fighter from Belfast, Ireland, would need at least one more victory before earning another shot at his title.
While he eagerly anticipates the chance to challenge Nurmagomedov again eventually, Hughes found the situation predictable. His focus is now on securing that desired rematch by performing well in his upcoming fight against Bruno Miranda on Saturday.
“Look, he’s always going to try to extend that as long as he can because he got very, very close to losing his belt,” Hughes commented. “It didn’t surprise me that much considering I believe I won the fight, as everyone knows. I do believe that he was almost broken in there.” Hughes feels that the head clash late in the fourth round played a role. He added, “Of course, he’s going to try to delay it.”
He acknowledges Nurmagomedov`s position: “Fair enough. He still has the belt. He’s the champ. He can say these things.” However, Hughes remains confident about his future prospects. “But at the end of the day, my day will come again and it’s coming soon. Another win over Bruno Miranda here, there’s absolutely no question that Usman is next. Whenever that is, I’m not sure, but it’s coming.”
Hughes could theoretically have refused other fights and simply waited for PFL to schedule him against Nurmagomedov, but this option never seriously crossed his mind.
Staying active has always been a priority for Hughes. Fighting Bruno Miranda also offered the significant advantage of headlining a card in his hometown of Belfast.
“There was never a thought of sitting out that long,” Hughes stated. “At the end of the day as fighters, we don’t get paid unless we fight and at the end of the day, I’m young, I’m healthy, I’m ready to go. I’ve been very active. I want to continue to be active. Why not? I will continue to get better and fighting and fight camps are where you get better.”
He understands the rematch with Nurmagomedov is highly likely, saying it “is going to happen,” probably “end of the year.” Therefore, he sees the fight against Miranda as a valuable interim step. “Of course, I’m going to take the opportunity to fight at home in the meantime. Of course, I am. It means literally I’m taking off No. 1 on my MMA bucket list and also improving. Another fight camp and also of course you make money when you fight so everything’s positive.”
Despite the constant talk about the Nurmagomedov rematch, Hughes is determined not to fall into the trap of looking past his immediate opponent.
Even though the odds might suggest he should win comfortably against Miranda, Hughes understands the significant risks involved in combat sports if you underestimate anyone.
He pointed to boxer Ryan Garcia`s recent unexpected loss to Rolly Romero while Garcia was reportedly focused on a potential rematch with Devin Haney as a cautionary tale.
Having witnessed such upsets before, Hughes is committed to remaining fully focused on the challenge directly in front of him and not overlooking the risks.
“Look, Bruno is a very dangerous guy,” Hughes affirmed. “I knew that before we signed the fight. Obviously, I study everybody that’s in my kind of bracket. Very dangerous guy. Big puncher. Has been in there with a lot of world champions. Someone that is not being taken lightly in any regard.” Hughes is treating this fight with utmost seriousness, almost like a world title fight, especially with the added pressure of performing at home. He acknowledges Miranda`s power: “Bruno is the type of guy if you slip up, he can knock you clean out. He has the capabilities to do that.”
He emphasizes the necessity of taking the fight “unbelievably serious.” While every fight carries risk, Hughes embraces it, noting, “without risk there is no reward.” He views the opportunity to fight at the SSE Arena in Belfast and bring the PFL event there as an “incredible opportunity” to live his dream.
Fighting at home also presents unique challenges, positioning Hughes as the biggest star on the card but also raising expectations significantly.
Hughes embraces this pressure, seeing headlining in Belfast as a dream come true and understanding it might be a unique opportunity.
“There’s pressure every time I fight now,” Hughes said confidently. “I’m f*cking used to it. I’m the f*cking best. So I always deal with it well. Pressure creates diamonds.”
He concluded with a strong statement about his consistency: “I am a competitor that always shows up. You’ve never seen me through any night of my career not show up on fight night and that will not change.”
Murray Blackwood