Paul ‘Big News’ Hughes has signed with PFL.
Hughes’ next step, following his time at Cage Warriors was largely speculated, with the former champion exploring the free agency market. Ultimately, ‘Big News’ has, as so many athletes are now, opted to sign with the PFL.The multi fight contract will see Hughes’ inclusion in both the 2025 and 2026 PFL Regular season, with his promotional debut likely coming later on this year.
Speaking on the signing, PFL CEO Peter Murray said:
"Professional Fighters League is always going to be in the mix when it comes to the free agency market and this was certainly the case with Paul Hughes, someone we have had our eye on for quite some time.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Paul continue his journey with PFL in big fights that continue to test his skills.”
Hughes capped off his Cage Warriors tenure with another stellar performance, in front of a home crowd at Cage Warriors 170, with a resounding first round finish against the vastly experienced Fabiano Silva. The announcement of his new deal with the PFL comes just weeks since his last outing.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Hughes discussed the reasons behind signing for the promotion. He said:
“This is incredible for me honestly. To have a promotion like the PFL snapped me up so quickly after testing free agency is just a testament to them. They obviously believe in me, they believe in my skills and look, at the end of the day, I'm the best in the world. So they're quite right to pick me up so quickly. And I'm so, so happy that I've reached a deal with them after just less than two weeks since I fought. So I'm incredibly excited right now.”
The inclusion in next year’s tournament means the Irishman will be in pursuit of the 2025 championship and the huge $1million prize money – something he has already envisioned and sees as a great way to continue his rising stock.
“I truly believe that the PFL tournament, the million dollar tournament is in my opinion, undeniably one of the hardest competitions in all of sports. I mean, it's four fights in the space of about a ten month period fighting for the ultimate glory, $1,000,000 and a world title. So, I mean, it's an easy sell.
“I believe that I'm the best in the world. I believe all the skills. So I truly believe that I will be a millionaire by the end the next year.”
Hughes made no secret of the fact he would explore all options presented to him, and that did include the UFC. However, the offer from PFL far surpassed any other offer than was on the table, which made the decision for the Fight Academy Ireland man, extremely simple.
“(It was) Definitely not a meaningful offer. They came in with an offer, you know. But look, I know my value in this game and the PFL are aware of my value in this game and they are willing to invest in me. And that was why it was honestly people think it would be a hard decision. That was the easiest decision in my life, if you weigh up the contracts. It's a very, very easy decision to go join the PFL tournament.”
