Pride of Northern Ireland Paul Hughes reminded the world just why he’s considered the biggest threat to Usman Nurmagomedov as he demolished Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds at PFL Europe Belfast.
Hughes had called for an immediate rematch with lightweight champion Nurmagomedov after pushing the Russian to the limit in a majority decision defeat in Dubai earlier this year.
But with Nurmagomedov opting to bide his time, Hughes was handed a homecoming headliner against dangerous Brazilian striker Miranda, who had previously defeated former Bellator lightweight champion Patricky Pitbull.
And “Big News” served up a huge performance as he flattened, then finished Miranda with strikes in the blink of an eye.
42 SECONDS IS ALL IT TOOK 😱
WHAT A HOMECOMING FOR PAUL HUGHES!#PFLBelfast | LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/kuOwUPHvSg
— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 10, 2025
Hughes’ finish was greeted by a rapturous reception from the passionate Belfast crowd, who produced a memorable atmosphere for the returning hometown star on a night that further elevated Hughes’ stock as one of the PFL’s biggest stars. Indeed, he may now be their biggest.
And Hughes wasted no time in calling out Nurmagomedov for a championship rematch as he visited with Dan Hardy for his post-fight interview inside the PFL SmartCage.
“Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run, you can try to delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is f*****g coming!” he roared, before he attempted to reflect on an emotional night, and his big win.
“I made my professional debut in this exact arena just over eight years ago. And every single time I have drove past it, I said I’m going to fight here some day. And tonight, I made my dreams come true, thanks to you.
“They’re not just my coaches, they’re all my best friends also. We’re a small wee country, but we’re doing big things. And my god I hope I represent you all well, because I’m going to the f*****g top!”
Hughes then explained that he didn’t want to receive the event sponsor’s performance bonus, saying that he wanted one of the up-and-coming fighters to get the financial boost instead.
But when Hardy revealed that Hughes would be getting an additional bonus anyway, Hughes said that he’d donate it to a mental health charity he has been working with.
He then shared a little of the mindset that helped him stay cool on an emotional night.
“Look, people really just don’t know what I’ve given to be in this position. They really don’t know what it takes,” he explained.
“And I have been all in for so long, and finally, I’m getting the recognition I deserve, and it really means so much.
“To have this support is literally my dreams come true. I can’t believe this is real life right now. I honestly feel I wish it went on a little bit longer, because I know everyone waited to see a scrap. But what do you do? I just hit too hard!”
Hughes then turned his attention back to 155-pound champ Nurmagomedov as he reiterated, “Whenever the PFL want to make that fight, as I said, he can try to delay this. He can try stalling as long as he wants, but his day is f*****g coming!”
PFL Europe Belfast: Official results
- Paul Hughes def. Bruno Miranda via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:42
- Lewis McGrillen def. Alan Philpott via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:17
- Connor Hughes def. Sebastien Di Franco via knockout (punch) – Round 2, 2:46
- Gino Van Steenis def. Decky McAleenan via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Haider Khan def. Sean McCormac via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Alex Chizov def. Mark Ewen via TKO (punches) – Round 1. 1:33
- Claudio Pacella def. Gavin Hughes via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Eoin Sheridan def. Malichi Edwards via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:53
- Gemma Auld def. Sammy Jo Luxton via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:43
- Corey McLaughlin def. Nahom Wedi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
