Upcoming Rematch: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes
In an upcoming rematch scheduled for October 3 in Dubai, Usman Nurmagomedov will defend his PFL lightweight title against Paul Hughes, a contender eager to avenge his earlier loss. Hughes, who faced Nurmagomedov in January, emerged victorious by majority decision in an intense clash that has been touted as one of the year’s most exciting fights.
Hughes’ Desire for Rematch
Following the bout, Hughes expressed a desire for a rematch, which has now been confirmed, albeit after some delays that he attributes to Nurmagomedov’s reluctance to take on the challenge again. Hughes spoke candidly about the situation, suggesting that Nurmagomedov’s hesitation was evident, stating:
“I’m certain he didn’t want this; he tried to delay this for the longest period. But ultimately, he is not bigger than the organization.”
He hinted that the PFL’s insistence on the matchup played a significant role in finally securing the fight, mentioning that Nurmagomedov faced potential consequences, including losing his title, if he did not comply.
Preparation and Strategy
Reflecting on their first encounter, Hughes acknowledged that Nurmagomedov had underestimated him but is confident heading into the rematch. He has committed to adjusting his strategy to increase his chances of victory and believes his preparation—aided by a quick knockout win over Bruno Miranda in May—has set him up for success.
“I’ve fought five rounds with him previously, so I need to implement those lessons, and I’ve been focused on making those changes since that first fight.”
Hughes recognizes the challenge that Nurmagomedov presents and understands that managing pressure will be crucial to his success in the rematch. He clarified that while the PFL title is at stake, his primary motivation lies in the opportunity to beat Nurmagomedov.
Training Camp and Motivation
Hughes is set to begin a training camp in Dubai ahead of the pivotal fight, signaling his dedication to securing what he believes could catapult him to the forefront of MMA. He concluded:
“Beating Usman means more than the title; the belt would be a nice bonus, but my focus is on defeating him.”
This emphasizes the significance of this matchup in his career.
