Paul Hughes is growing increasingly frustrated with Usman Nurmagomedov regarding the timing and conditions for a rematch between the two lightweights.
Their initial bout in January was widely considered one of the year`s best fights, ending in a narrow majority decision victory for Nurmagomedov, who was pushed to the brink of his first professional loss by Hughes. Despite immediate demand for a rematch, Nurmagomedov stated Hughes needed to secure another win first. Hughes promptly fulfilled this requirement.
In May, Hughes decisively knocked out veteran Bruno Miranda in only 42 seconds during a homecoming fight in Belfast. This dominant performance appeared to solidify his position as the top contender. Instead of waiting for PFL officials, Hughes took matters into his own hands, contacting Nurmagomedov directly to discuss the rematch, and was displeased with Nurmagomedov`s reply.
“I now know for certain that he is attempting to postpone this rematch,” Hughes stated. “Because I went directly to him. I texted him myself last week asking, ‘What’s happening? Rematch now.’”
Hughes recounted Nurmagomedov`s response: “He replied again, ‘You need to win one more fight, brother.’ So, directly from him, it’s clear he’s trying to delay it.”
After their initial encounter, Hughes showed respect towards Nurmagomedov and his corner, which included UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib himself praised the Irish fighter and his performance against his cousin.
While not regretting his respectful conduct, Hughes admits the events following the fight, specifically Nurmagomedov`s renewed demand for another win before a rematch, have increased his frustration regarding the situation.
“I was completely fed up. I’m tired of his excuses,” Hughes stated. “I thought I might as well contact him directly. What he said last week was, ‘you’ve got to win one more fight, brother.’ But ultimately, he’s not calling the shots. This fight is going to happen.”
Regardless of Nurmagomedov’s insistence on another win, Hughes believes his swift victory over Miranda in under a minute fulfilled his requirement. While an immediate rematch was his preference, the 28-year-old lightweight readily accepted the PFL`s offer of a different fight, particularly one headlining a card in his native Ireland.
Hughes is confident that his recent win is more than sufficient reason to book what many consider the most anticipated rematch in PFL history, irrespective of Nurmagomedov’s opinion.
“This fight absolutely must happen,” Hughes asserted. “Everyone wants to see it. The PFL wants it. Dubai wants it. The only person who clearly does not want this fight right now is Usman Nurmagomedov.
“If it doesn’t happen, you’ll know the reason why. However, I don’t believe that will be the case. I’m confident it will happen. I believe the PFL and the Dubai government hold more sway than a single individual. Therefore, the fight is mandatory and will take place in September or October this year.”
Shortly after disclosing this text exchange with Nurmagomedov, Hughes saw the PFL announce a fight between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan for June 20, with the explicit stipulation that “the winner of this fight becomes the No. 1 contender for the PFL lightweight world title and will be next in line to face current champion Usman Nurmagomedov.”
Understandably, this announcement did not sit well with Hughes.
“Hey, quit with the rage bait,” Hughes posted on social media.
Regardless of ongoing promotions, Hughes remains certain that the PFL will ultimately deliver the rematch he seeks, and believes Nurmagomedov cannot prevent it.
“He is obviously trying to delay this fight,” Hughes stated. “Frankly, he probably shouldn’t have even texted me back. He’s delaying it for a very evident reason: he knows I will defeat him next time. He experienced my intensity in the cage. He knows I’m targeting him. He understands this fight means everything to me, though I question if it means as much to him. His time is coming. As I mentioned after our fight, he can postpone it all he likes, but his reckoning is approaching.”
Hughes has consistently felt he should have been awarded the victory in their initial bout, but accepting the judges` decision, he did not complain when the PFL offered him a different fight instead of an immediate rematch.
Now, Hughes speculates whether Nurmagomedov is simply postponing the inevitable outcome by imposing further conditions before their next meeting.
“Look, that guy is in trouble,” Hughes declared. “He’s in trouble when I get my hands on him. Let’s just put it plainly. I am training in the gym every single day preparing for this. He has absolutely no concept of what awaits him.”
