Paul
Hughes became one of Ireland’s most popular fighters in under a
dozen bouts. Now, his sights are set on the globe. The former
Cage Warriors featherweight champion has big plans since
signing with the
Professional Fighters League last April, but first, he must
handle business on home soil.
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Before competing in the PFL season, the 27-year-old Belfast native
will make his company debut against Bobby King in
the
Bellator Champions Series Dublin co-main event on June 22 at
3Arena. The event will stream live in HBO’s Max app in the U.S.
Hughes co-headlines the card led by Bellator
MMA welterweight champion Jason
Jackson’s showdown against Ramazan Kurmagomedov, but will
receive the most love from the hometown fans. Hughes is a budding
star and will have the pro-Irish crowd in the palm of his
gloves.
“It’s going to be a big moment for me because 3Arena is so iconic,”
Hughes said. “To have the opportunity to co-headline it is awesome.
It’s a nice add-on to my career and what I’ve achieved so far.”
Hughes (11-1) avenged his only career loss and has won five
straight since December 2020. With knockout power in both hands and
a loyal fanbase in his corner, Hughes garnered interest from the
Ultimate Fighting Championship, but feels confident he made the
right choice signing with PFL.
“It’s been a good run so far, he said. “I’d like to say I’m a young
veteran in this game, but I do think I’m restarting at the same
time. Signing on to PFL/Bellator is a new lease on life. I’ve got
this new energy throughout my training camp and it’s very
exciting.”
Despite being the favorite, Hughes doesn’t overlook King (12-6).
He’s done his homework and even says he’ll be in for a “fuc*ing
hard night” against the Bellator vet. King has experience and comes
from a strong camp at Bang Muay Thai. He’ll do whatever he can to
spoil Hughes’ coming out party.
“There’s always a gameplan, but you can never plan too far ahead,”
King said. “We’re going to go out there, fight, and figure out the
puzzle as we fight.”
Hughes respects the threat but doesn’t see how King can slow him
down. Since he started splitting his camps between
Fight Academy Ireland and
Kill Cliff FC, Hughes has seen exponential improvements in his
game. He’s been sharpening his tools against the best and feels
confident he’ll live up to the hype.
Although Hughes will ultimately have to wait and see how the
opportunities line up for him, the rising star already has an ideal
plan in front of him. If successful in Dublin, Hughes already knows
what he wants the next couple of years to look like.
“I think it’s pretty simple,” Hughes said. “Three more fights and
three more wins this year. Enter the $1 million tournament. Have
the perfect season. Finish everybody I fight. Win the million
dollars. Repeat.”