The rise of Paul Hughes (13-2) over the past 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable.
The 27-year-old entered free agency following his final appearance under the Cage Warriors banner in April of 2024, and having been linked with a number of major organizations, signed a long-term deal with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
A successful promotional debut followed in June as 'Big News' picked up a 2nd-round TKO victory over Bobby King in Dublin, Ireland, and he followed up that performance by calling for a high-profile fight against one of the division's biggest names.
His wish was granted as he was paired with former Bellator champion AJ McKee on the PFL's landmark pay-per-view event Battle of the Giants in Saudi Arabia in October.
Many pundits speculated whether this might be too much, too soon for the young Irishman. He had only recently made the move up to 155 pounds and, while he had previously held the featherweight title in Cage Warriors, McKee has long been regarded as one of the best fighters in the world outside of the UFC.
Hughes followed through on his promise to "shock the world" as he delivered a scintillating performance over 3 rounds to earn a decision victory, and he immediately called for a shot at Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Hughes Won The Hearts Of MMA Fans In Dubai
The resulting fight between Hughes and Nurmagomedov took place in January at the PFL's Road to Dubai event, and although Hughes lost a narrow decision, his performance over 5 rounds proved to the world that he belongs at the top table of the sport.
Hughes called for an immediate rematch, but with Nurmagomedov rumored to be taking a break from competition until later in the year, 'Big News' has also been pleading for the opportunity to headline an event in Belfast, the city he has called home for the past few years.
"2024 was the year my life changed" Hughes wrote in a social media post recently. "2025 I take it to heights that no one would have ever expected.
"This year I MUST get that world title around my waist and I MUST fight at hime in BELFAST".
Hughes dream moved a step closer to becoming a reality today, as the PFL confirmed in a press release that he will headline PFL Europe Belfast on May 10th at the SSE Arena, the venue in which he made his professional debut back in 2017 when he knocked out Adam Gustab in the opening round of their encounter at BAMMA 28.
With a host of the promotion's big-name lightweights tied up in it's 2025 World Tournament, the PFL may need to broaden their search in order to find a suitable dance partner for Hughes in May.
