Paul Hughes is going all out in standing his ground and defending the promotion he represents, the PFL.
Since acquiring Bellator MMA in November 2023, PFL has faced frequent criticism. Many fighters, including high-profile names like Patchy Mix, have expressed frustration, claiming they have been sidelined and given limited chances since the merger. Patricio Pitbull was also among those seeking an exit, with his release recently granted.
The budding MMA promotion has also faced allegations of trimming its roster while pressuring fighters into accepting significant pay cuts, despite its structured pay system.
The latest to launch a scathing critique is former UFC fighter and Bellator veteran Josh Thomson, who called out PFL and its top brass, Donn Davis and Pete Murray. He accused them of neglecting the organization's brand development and failing to establish a clear vision for its future.
During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, "The Punk" didn’t hold back, slamming PFL as mismanaged and urging them to "get their sh*t together." However, the New York-based MMA promotion’s current biggest star sees things differently.
On Friday, Hughes took to X to respond to Thomson’s criticism of PFL, calling out the growing trend of negativity toward the promotion. He passionately defended the organization, highlighting its positive aspects and expressing deep gratitude for the profound impact it has had on his career.
"The PFL MMA have provided me the platform to completely change my life and my career in 9 months. The staff have been absolutely amazing to deal with the entire time. I find it disappointing that it has become a trend to hate on them. They are the UNDERDOGS, fighting to make a CHANGE in an industry where the athletes are under served and underpaid. MOST of us fighters end up leaving the game with no money (and a lot of brain damage). This will only change if organisations like PFL continue to succeed. Thankyou PFL MMA" Paul Hughes wrote on X.
"Big News" signed with PFL last May. In just three fights under its banner, the 27-year-old Irishman has already become a fan favorite and one of the promotion’s biggest draws.
Paul Hughes was last seen in competition at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai in January, where he fell just short in his quest for the title, suffering a majority decision loss to reigning lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
"Big News" is now set to return to action in the headlining bout of PFL Europe’s first event of the year, where he will face Bruno Miranda on May 10 at The SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland.