The Professional Fighters League (PFL) – UFC’s leading competitors – have announced a huge world championship title rematch between Usman Nurmagomedov and Ireland’s Paul Hughes.
Usman, who is the cousin of UFC icon Khabib Nurmagomedov, is the current PFL lightweight champion.
The 19-0 Dagestani fighter defeated Hughes by majority decision last January in a thrilling five-round contest.
Regarded as one of the top lightweights in the world, Usman will be looking to underline that status when he takes on Hughes for the second time.
The much-anticipated rematch has been set for October 3 and will take place at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Paul Hughes ‘not like the other guy’
Ireland’s Hughes has long been touted as the next Conor McGregor. However, the 28-year-old prospect distanced himself from the controversial former UFC champion – something that caused a big stir on social media.
Following his first fight with Usman, Hughes delivered a post-fight message, saying: “I’m not like this other guy, I’m my own man.”
While Hughes earned respect from the likes of Khabib, McGregor was not best pleased with the comments.
The former two-weight UFC champion hit back on social media, posting: “Too right YOU’RE NOT!”
In another jab, McGregor targeted Hughes’ Northern Irish roots, saying: “Get that flag off you, you little know-what-you-are c*** from up there.”
Rather than escalate the situation further, Hughes showed calm and simply called McGregor’s comments ‘unbelievably disrespectful’.
Hughes also claimed that his Irish rival is ‘not the same guy he once was’ and revealed that he no longer values his opinions.
Khabib backs Hughes
Khabib, who is a long-term rival of McGregor, gave Hughes his public backing.
Despite being in Usman’s corner, Khabib showed Hughes respect by calling him a ‘real Irishman’ – a comment that was also a dig at his UFC adversary.
With Hughes and Usman ready to lock horns for the second time in October, the public debate and animosity could reignite.
Nevertheless, the two fighters will be fully focused on performing inside the octagon as they both look to take their careers to the next level.
Both men have been on the UFC’s radar, though Hughes famously turned down an offer from Dana White’s organisation in order to sign with the PFL.
Usman has also expressed his intention to join the UFC in the near future. The main hurdle for the fighter is avoiding a possible clash with training partner and current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.
READ MORE: JAKE PAUL MAKES SAVAGE DIG AT UFC’S NEW $8BN DEAL WITH PARAMOUNT
