PFL: Paul Hughes supremely confident for Usman Nurmagomedov rematch

Paul Hughes says he has “never been so confident” when he prepares for the revenge of the PFL Lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov champion in Dubai on Friday.

Their first meeting in January followed the Nurmagomedov path through a majority decision when he kept the title of Bellator at the time.

Hughes returned with a 42 -second judgment of Bruno Miranda to the SSE Arena de Belfast in May, a victory that opened the door for a second crack in the title.

The native of Lavey cut a relaxed silhouette while he was facing his latest series of questions in the preparation of Friday’s revenge match and, after sharing five laps with Nurmagomedov earlier this year, it is certain that he will finish work this time.

“I think I’m finishing it,” said Hughes.

“I think I drag it in deep waters once again and this time I drowned it. I have the ability to drop anyone at any time. I also know that I have the capacity with this training camp to win every round, so whatever it happens, it happens.

“I had a 10 -month training camp and a revenge match. I made five laps (with Nurmagomedov), I had a lot of readings, I already had a revenge match in my career for a world title (against Jordan Vacenic for the Cage Warriors Featherweight in 2022).

Although feeling positive, Hughes is also respectful of the upcoming challenge, insisting on the title champion “has no holes” in his arsenal.

However, he suspects that although Nurmagomedov changes his approach and will use more fight at the start of the competition, there is always a feeling that he is neglected.

“We are in competition at the highest level and I would note it in the best fighters in the world, so there are no holes,” he said.

“It is up to me to implement my game plan better than his on Friday.

“I always think there is something there, he underestimates me. I always think that he has this little immaturity, arrogance, which could cause him trouble.”