What an intense and thrilling fight fans witnessed between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. Usman admitted it was the toughest fight of his career as he secured a victory over Hughes via majority decision, finally putting an end to their bitter rivalry in Dubai. The bout was heavily hyped, with fans even comparing it to a modern-day Conor McGregor vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov clash, given the Dagestani-Irish dynamic between Usman and Hughes.
Paul Hughes’ performance didn’t go unnoticed, drawing praise from fans and MMA stars alike. Unfortunately for the Irish fighter, there was little chance of turning the fight around, as the undercard matchups between Dagestan and Ireland all ended in favor of the Dagestani fighters. Despite Hughes’ defeat, UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov extended a warm invitation to Hughes and his team to visit Dagestan. On X, the former UFC lightweight champion wrote:
“Thank you for the fight @paulhughesmma and for the experience, 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 generations.”
Thank you for the fight @paulhughesmma and for the experience, 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 generations ✋
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 26, 2025
This gesture from Khabib truly highlighted his humility, even from the opposition’s side. Paul Hughes has since responded to ‘The Eagle,’ and fans are eagerly waiting to see what his next move will be.
Paul Hughes Responds to Khabib’s Invitation, Calls For A Rematch With Usman Nurmagomedov
Hughes delivered a dominant performance against Usman Nurmagomedov but fell short of claiming the championship belt. Despite the loss, he earned an invitation from Team Khabib Nurmagomedov to visit Dagestan. In response, Hughes wrote:
“Thankyou @TeamKhabib I have great respect for you, your team and your nation. 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.”
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Thankyou @TeamKhabib I have great respect for you, your team and your nation.
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 26, 2025
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. https://t.co/kvKpB1IQP0
The rematch is what everyone is eagerly anticipating. Fans would love to see it happen, but they’ll have to wait a bit longer for any official confirmation.
