PFL standout Paul Hughes adopted a technique similar to Tom Aspinall`s to send a message to his former rival.
Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov delivered a memorable fight that became one of the year`s immediate classics at PFL Champions Series 1 in January. Months later, the tension between Hughes and Nurmagomedov persists, fueled by increasing demands for a rematch between the two lightweights.
Hughes has not competed since knocking out Bruno Miranda in only 42 seconds at PFL Europe 1 in May. Although he was not fighting on the PFL Europe 2 card on Saturday, Hughes attended cageside in Brussels to support other fighters.
However, despite not being scheduled to fight at PFL Europe 2, Hughes made time to provoke his primary rival during the event broadcast.
Paul Hughes sends a message to Usman Nurmagomedov amid resurfaced rematch talks
UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall previously mocked Jon Jones at UFC London by displaying a plastic duck during the broadcast, targeting his long-standing adversary. Nevertheless, Aspinall`s efforts to provoke Jones did not result in a heavyweight clash, as Jones retired from MMA last month.
During the PFL Europe 2 broadcast, Hughes imitated Aspinall`s widely shared moment by provoking Nurmagomedov with a different toy duck.
As of the time of publication, Nurmagomedov has not publicly replied to Hughes. Nurmagomedov had previously urged Hughes to secure at least one more victory before asserting his claim for a rematch.
The PFL recently hinted at Nurmagomedov`s upcoming bout, stating that the victor of the match between Archie Colgan and Mansour Barnaoui at PFL World Tournament 6 would be his next challenger. Colgan emerged victorious from that fight via unanimous decision.
Hughes expressed dissatisfaction with the PFL`s choice of Colgan as Nurmagomedov`s subsequent opponent. It remains unknown whether Hughes will choose to wait while Nurmagomedov prepares for the fight against Colgan, or if he will compete in another bout against a different rising contender.
Tom Aspinall could finally get Jon Jones matchup after former champ teases comeback
A timeframe for Aspinall`s return to the UFC for his initial undisputed heavyweight title defense has not yet been established. Several potential adversaries, such as Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, have been suggested for Aspinall`s next fight.
Only weeks after declaring his retirement, Jones disclosed that he had re-entered the UFC`s drug testing program, sparking rumors of a potential return. Jones`s coach recently corroborated that the former UFC heavyweight champion is back in the pool as he contemplates a possible comeback to the Octagon.
As the UFC heavyweight division continues without Jones, Aspinall is considering other potential challenges. However, an Aspinall versus Jones confrontation may soon become a reality rather than just a possibility.
Gareth Pendleton