Paul Hughes is becoming increasingly frustrated with Usman Nurmagomedov`s changing requirements regarding a potential rematch between them.
Their initial lightweight bout in January was widely considered one of the best fights of the year. Nurmagomedov secured a narrow majority decision victory, having been pushed to the brink of his first professional loss by Hughes. Following the intense contest, there were immediate calls for a rematch. However, Nurmagomedov insisted that Hughes first needed to secure another win before they could face off again. Hughes promptly did exactly that.
In May, fighting in his hometown of Belfast, Hughes delivered a stunning performance, knocking out veteran lightweight Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds. This dominant victory seemingly cemented his status as the rightful number one contender. Rather than waiting for the PFL organization to arrange the fight, Hughes took matters into his own hands, contacting Nurmagomedov directly. He was not pleased with the response.
“I know for a fact now this guy is trying to delay this rematch,” Hughes stated. “I went straight to him last week. I texted him saying, `What`s going on? Rematch now.`” Hughes shared Nurmagomedov`s reply: “`You have to win one more fight, brother.` So, straight from him, he`s trying to delay this.”
Immediately after their first fight, Hughes showed respect to Nurmagomedov and his team, which notably included UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov. Khabib himself spoke highly of the Irish lightweight`s performance and his challenge to his cousin. While Hughes has no regrets about that respectful interaction, he admits the aftermath and Nurmagomedov`s continued insistence on another win before a rematch has heightened his frustration with the situation.
“I was fed up. I`m fed up with all his nonsense,” Hughes declared, explaining his decision to contact Nurmagomedov directly. Regarding the champ`s text, Hughes added, “He said `you`ve got to win one more fight, brother.` But ultimately, he`s not the one in charge. This fight is happening.”
Despite Nurmagomedov`s desire for yet another victory from him, Hughes is confident that his swift knockout of Miranda was more than sufficient. While an immediate rematch was his preference, the 28-year-old lightweight readily accepted the Miranda fight, especially since it meant headlining an event in Ireland. Hughes is certain that this decisive win should be enough to set up what could be the most anticipated rematch in PFL history, regardless of Nurmagomedov`s opinion.
“The fight obviously has to happen,” Hughes asserted. “Everyone wants this fight. The PFL wants this fight. Dubai wants this to happen. Right now, it`s very clear the only person who doesn`t want it is Usman Nurmagomedov.” He continued, “If the fight doesn`t happen, you`ll know why. But I don`t believe that will be the case. I think it will happen. The PFL and the powers involved have more leverage than one man. So the fight must happen, and it will happen in September or October this year.”
Shortly after revealing his text exchange with Nurmagomedov, Hughes saw the PFL announce a different lightweight bout for June 20th between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan, with the specific note 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.” Unsurprisingly, this announcement did not sit well with Hughes.
“Hey, quit with the rage bait,” Hughes posted on social media in response.
Despite the promotion of other contenders, Hughes remains convinced that the PFL will eventually make the rematch happen, and there`s nothing Nurmagomedov can do to prevent it.
“He`s trying to delay this fight. It`s that obvious,” Hughes stated. “Honestly, he probably shouldn`t have texted me back. He`s delaying this fight for a very clear reason: he knows I`m going to get him next time. He felt my intensity in there; he knows I`m coming for him. This means everything to me. I`m not sure if it means as much to him, to be completely honest. But his time is coming. As I said after our first fight, he can try to delay this all he wants, but his day is arriving.”
Hughes has long felt he deserved the victory in their initial meeting. Since he couldn`t change the judges` scores, he didn`t object when the PFL booked him in another fight rather than an immediate rematch. Now, Hughes can`t help but wonder if Nurmagomedov is simply delaying the inevitable by constantly setting new hurdles for him before their next encounter.
“Look, the guy`s in trouble,” Hughes said confidently. “He`s in serious trouble when I get my hands on him. Let`s put it that way. I am in the gym every single day preparing for this. He has absolutely no idea what is coming for him.”
