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Report: AJ McKee vs. Paul Hughes Targeted For Undercard Of Francis Ngannou’s PFL Debut

ByKyle DimondMixed Martial Arts Journalist

A huge lightweight matchup is reportedly being set for the debut of the PFL PPV Super Fights series, which features the MMA return of Francis Ngannou.

First reported by @MagicM_MMABets on X, former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee is expected to be returning to take on one of the biggest prospects in the sport, Paul Hughes.

This was later confirmed by several other media sources, including MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck.

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Hughes Set For Major Matchup In Second PFL Assignment

Ireland’s Hughes made his debut for the promotion earlier this year after signing to the PFL, stopping Bobby King in the second round at a Bellator Champions Series event following his run in Cage Warriors.

“Big News” made it clear after that fight that he had big-name opponents in mind, and that’s certainly what he’s got on his hands on October 19 should these reports come to fruition.

McKee, meanwhile, put in a standout performance at February’s PFL vs. Bellator event in Saudi Arabia when he submitted longtime PFL veteran Clay Collard in the first round.

Now he will look to welcome Hughes to the very top tier of competition in this promotion in a clash between Bellator’s biggest homegrown talent and one of the PFL’s most exciting additions.

Main-event billing for what is shaping up to be the biggest card of the year for the PFL goes to the long-awaited clash between Ngannou and Renan Ferreira, who knocked out Bellator champion Ryan Bader at the previously mentioned PFL vs. Bellator card.

In the co-main event, Cris Cyborg faces Larissa Pacheco in another highly anticipated and long-awaited meeting between the two dominant female forces on the combined PFL and Bellator rosters.

A location is yet to be confirmed for this event, though it has long been expected to be taking place in Saudi Arabia.

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