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. 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.

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…

DUBAI: Over the past couple of years, Irish mixed martial arts star Paul “Big News” Hughes has been on a generational run. The Belfast native established himself as a rising star…