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Paul Hughes accepts Khabib Nurmagomedov’s invitation after Fight of the Year candidate with his cousin – but only under one condition
Paul Hughes will accept Khabib Nurmagomedov’s invitation to Dagestan, but only if he gets a chance to rematch his cousin. Hughes suffered the second defeat of his career on Saturday night to Usman Nurmagomedov and subsequently lost the chance to win the Bellator lightweight title. Khabib was in Nurmagomedov’s corner for the fight with Usman The 27-year-old put on the performance of a lifetime at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, but didn’t do enough in the eyes of the judges, who awarded Nurmagomedov the unanimous decision. “Thank you for the fight Paul Hughes and for the experience,” Khabib wrote on Sunday morning via X. “I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want. “Believe me you will like it and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generation.” Hughes’ fight with Nurmagomedov was promoted as ‘Dagestan vs Ireland 2’ following Khabib’s famous fight with Conor McGregor in 2018. Khabib went 13 fights undefeated during his eight-year UFC career and his rivalry with McGregor was one of the most intense the promotion has ever seen. Hughes had vowed to avenge McGregor’s submission defeat to Khabib at UFC 229 in 2018, and having failed to do so, ‘Big News’ only sees one suitable fight for his next octagon appearance. “I’m heartbroken here if I’m honest…I just can’t wait to see what’s in the future, we HAVE to do the rematch in Belfast!” he said in his post-fight interview. Hughes hopes Khabib can help him deliver this before both men link up in Dagestan, Russia – where the latter and Nurmagomedov are from. “Thank you Khabib I have great respect for you, your team and your nation,” Hughes said in response to Khabib’s invite. Hughes is happy to accept Khabib’s invitation – but only if he gets a rematch “I would be honoured to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favour in Ireland. “But please, only after I get to rematch Usman.” Nurmagomedov was asked about a rematch with Hughes in the immediate aftermath of the main event clash. Nurmagomedov admitted that he underestimated his opponent, but said Hughes ‘has work to do’ and needs to win more fights if he wants a rematch. Hughes responded to the clip on X, laughing at his foe’s response. PFL commentator Dan Hardy agreed with Hughes, admitting to talkSPORT MMA that a rematch in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has to happen next. Nurmagomedov vs Hughes was a Fight of the Year candidate MMA fans were shocked at Khabib’s initial invitation after the blockbuster fight, based on comments that had been made ahead of the fight. The UFC legend tore into the MMA scene in Ireland when comparing it to his native Dagestan as he previewed the blockbuster PFL card. “Ireland don’t have fighters, brother… Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor]. And who else?” he said. However, just like during the fight with Nurmagomedov, Hughes has seemingly earned the respect of Khabib.
Paul Hughes will accept Khabib Nurmagomedov’s invitation to Dagestan, but only if he gets a chance to rematch his cousin.
Hughes suffered the second defeat of his career on Saturday night to Usman Nurmagomedov and subsequently lost the chance to win the Bellator lightweight title.
The 27-year-old put on the performance of a lifetime at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, but didn’t do enough in the eyes of the judges, who awarded Nurmagomedov the unanimous decision.
“Thank you for the fight Paul Hughes and for the experience,” Khabib wrote on Sunday morning via X.
“I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want.
“Believe me you will like it and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generation.”
Hughes’ fight with Nurmagomedov was promoted as ‘Dagestan vs Ireland 2’ following Khabib’s famous fight with Conor McGregor in 2018.
Khabib went 13 fights undefeated during his eight-year UFC career and his rivalry with McGregor was one of the most intense the promotion has ever seen.
Hughes had vowed to avenge McGregor’s submission defeat to Khabib at UFC 229 in 2018, and having failed to do so, ‘Big News’ only sees one suitable fight for his next octagon appearance.
“I’m heartbroken here if I’m honest…I just can’t wait to see what’s in the future, we HAVE to do the rematch in Belfast!” he said in his post-fight interview.
Hughes hopes Khabib can help him deliver this before both men link up in Dagestan, Russia – where the latter and Nurmagomedov are from.
“Thank you Khabib I have great respect for you, your team and your nation,” Hughes said in response to Khabib’s invite.
“I would be honoured to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favour in Ireland.
“But please, only after I get to rematch Usman.”
Nurmagomedov was asked about a rematch with Hughes in the immediate aftermath of the main event clash.
Nurmagomedov admitted that he underestimated his opponent, but said Hughes ‘has work to do’ and needs to win more fights if he wants a rematch.
Hughes responded to the clip on X, laughing at his foe’s response.
PFL commentator Dan Hardy agreed with Hughes, admitting to talkSPORT MMA that a rematch in Belfast, Northern Ireland, has to happen next.
MMA fans were shocked at Khabib’s initial invitation after the blockbuster fight, based on comments that had been made ahead of the fight.
The UFC legend tore into the MMA scene in Ireland when comparing it to his native Dagestan as he previewed the blockbuster PFL card.
“Ireland don’t have fighters, brother… Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor]. And who else?” he said.
However, just like during the fight with Nurmagomedov, Hughes has seemingly earned the respect of Khabib.
