DUBAI: Back in January, PFL lightweight world champion Usman Nurmagomedov and top contender Paul Hughes put on a five-round instant classic that many hailed as a contender for fight of the year.
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While Hughes pushed Nurmagomedov to the limit with a star-making performance, the Dagestani champion still left Dubai with the title following a majority decision nod.
For many fans and experts, Hughes’ performance was enough to warrant an immediate rematch. Even then, Hughes needed to earn his way back to a title shot, and he did so in spectacular fashion.
In the main event of this year’s PFL Europe debut in his hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland, “Big News” Hughes starched Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds to lock in another shot at the undefeated Nurmagomedov and the PFL title.
