PFL star Paul Hughes has gotten his wish — or, at the very least, half of it.
Hughes enhanced his reputation in defeat earlier this year when he challenged for Usman Nurmagomedov’s Bellator lightweight title in the main event of PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.
Despite being largely dismissed by the Dagestani during the lead-up, “Big News” pushed him to the limit across five rounds. Some even believed the former Cage Warriors champion did enough to deserve the nod, a sentiment shared by the man himself.
With that in mind, Hughes was quick to call for an immediate rematch in his native country. In that regard, he appeared to have the support of the PFL higher-ups and many in the MMA community.
But with Nurmagomedov reportedly planning to sit out until the fall, the Northern Irishman has seemingly had to settle for just one of his wishes.
In a social media post this weekend, Hughes recorded a video in front of a sign advertising a PFL event in Belfast this coming May 10. News of that event was first reported by Al Zullino last week, and the locals look set to see their leading man in action at the top of the card.
“Dreams come true,” Hughes wrote. “May 10th- SSE Arena Belfast. Apparently Usman needs a wee break. So who the f*ck wants it?” #HOMECOMING”
With a second dance opposite Nurmagomedov appearing out of the equation for the time being, it remains to be seen who the PFL will line up to share the cage with Hughes in hostile territory later this year.
