Rapid Knockout Victory by Paul Hughes in PFL Belfast, Securing World Title Rematch
In a thrilling turn of events, Paul 'Big News' Hughes managed to knock out Bruno Miranda within a mere minute in his return to the Professional Fighters League (PFL)! Hamilton's very own hero delivered a breathtaking left hook that left Miranda stunned. The crowd at the SSE Arena went wild, and the roars didn't stop even after 'Big News' embraced his loyal fans, making it one of the greatest atmospheres he may ever experience.
Following this impressive victory, Hughes has set his sights on a rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov for the PFL lightweight title. This battle is anticipated to take place in Dubai this September. Hughes expressed his intentions to the press earlier, hoping to one day return as the champion to his beloved Belfast.
"When I'm the champion, perhaps some leverage might be in my favour, and we'll be able to drag him back here for the trilogy," he stated[1]. He expressed interest in holding the match in iconic locations like the Titanic Quarter or Windsor Park.
Paul Hughes' road to success in the world of MMA was marked by an unfortunate series of injuries during his youth. His hands suffered four breaks over a year, necessitating doctors to recommend that he pursue a different career due to his hands' inability to withstand constant punishing[1]. However, 'Big News' refused to let obstacles stand in his way and continued to chase his dream.
Results proved that his determination was well-founded when he signed a lucrative contract with the PFL in April 2024 after the promotion outbid the UFC for his signature. Since then, Hughes has cemented his position as one of the best lightweights in the world, with his ultimate ambition being to win a world title in the promotion[1].
In his debut for the PFL back in October 2024, he defeated AJ McKee via split decision, and his impressive performance set the MMA community on notice[1]. However, in his next bout, a world title shot against Nurmagomedov, he suffered a defeat, but many believed that he could have won the fight[1].
Though no upcoming fights with Nurmagomedov have been officially announced yet, Hughes has voiced his desire for a rematch[2]. He seeks to prove that he can claim the victory that just missed his grasp on their first encounter. Stay tuned for further updates on this exciting rivalry!
[1] Enrichment Data: Paul Hughes' Fight Record in the PFL: As of the latest available information, Paul Hughes' fight record in the PFL is limited, but he has recently made a significant impact. In his most recent fight, he defeated Bruno Miranda via TKO in just 42 seconds at PFL Europe 1 on May 10, 2025. Before joining the PFL, Hughes was a highly sought-after free agent in 2024, known for his aggressive fighting style. Prior to signing with the PFL, Hughes had a notable career, including a loss to Usman Nurmagomedov in a controversial majority decision for the Bellator Lightweight Title in January 2025. He also had a major win over former Bellator Champion AJ McKee and a second-round finish of Bobby Green. No upcoming fights against Usman Nurmagomedov have been officially announced.[2] Enrichment Data: Paul's post-fight callout: Hughes has called out Nurmagomedov post-fight, expressing his desire for a rematch, which indicates that Hughes is interested in facing Nurmagomedov again, but no specific date or confirmation has been provided.
After his recent victory over Bruno Miranda in the PFL, Paul 'Big News' Hughes has set his sights on a rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov for the PFL lightweight title, creating a highly anticipated battle in the MMA sports world. Hughes believes that with a rematch, he'll have the chance to prove his worth in the UFC and MMA sports betting circles.
