'Big News' Coming To PFL Belfast
03/10/2025 05:00 PM
After coming up short in his quest to capture the now-defunct Bellator MMA Lightweight title against Usman Nurmagomedov, losing a majority decision earlier this year in Dubai, Paul Hughes is gearing up for his comeback fight.
Per a press releases by Professional Fighters League (PFL), "Big News" has been booked to headline the promotion's return to Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 10, 2025 inside the SSE Arena against an opponent to be determined at a later time.
Hughes fights out of Belfast but hasn't competed there since 2019, and has only done so three times in his pro mixed marital arts (MMA) career, winning all three contests. The former Cage Warriors Featherweight champion of the world signed with PFL in early 2024 and racked up two straight wins — one with Bellator and one with PFL — before earning a shot at the title. Despite a valiant effort against the unbeaten Nurmagomedov, Hughes came up just a tad bit short.
"All my career I've said I will main event The SSE Arena, and we've made my dream into a reality. Belfast, I'm coming to put on a show for my people, and I will show you how much your support means to me. It's time to get to work," said Hughes.
"The vocal support for Paul meant this was an easy decision, and I can't wait to feel the atmosphere of The SSE Arena during the main event. But we plan to stack the card with our PFL Europe Tournament fighters, and a host of athletes who are prepared to lay it all on the line and put on a show. Belfast, get your tickets, we have a feeling this event will go down in history," said PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray.
While Hughes (13-2) is on the comeback trail, he will not be a part of PFL's upcoming 2025 World Tournament, which is set to kick off next month in Orlando, Florida.
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