Paul Hughes has earned praise worldwide for his fantastic showing in defeat to Usman Nurmagomedov on Saturday evening.
The Belfast native took on Nurmagomedov, who is the cousin of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, in Dubai on Saturday night in the main event at the PFL Champions Series event.
The contest was for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship and after five gruelling rounds, Hughes came out the wrong side of a very close decision as he pushed the undefeated Nurmagomedov all the way in undoubtedly the toughest fight of his career.
Despite not coming home with the gold, Hughes leaves Dubai with his reputation massively enhanced, with numerous high profile MMA fighters and journalists showering the Irishman with praise for his epic performance.
"Paul Hughes is legit!!" posted UFC legend Dustin Poirier on X.
Dillon Danis posted: "Paul Hughes was robbed! Nurmagomedov was gassed and scurrying for his life. Hughes deserved that win!"
Conor McGregor also believes Hughes won the fight: "Tremendous fight and performance! Easy win for Hughes, he DOMINATED THAT FIGHT. And Umar exactly what it says on the tin, a Nurmagamedov. Runner, sprinter, bolter, scarper, scurrying “fighter”," he posted on X.
Even Jake Paul praised Hughes, while also finding time to take a shot at Conor McGregor: "Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do. Congrats my guy. You won regardless of the outcome. Big ups to both men."
Speaking after the bout, Hughes had no intention of soaking in his gallant loss: "It played how I expected. I am so gutted, so disappointed. I really thought I won that one.
"I should have pushed harder. I know we will fight again. I have so much respect for Usman. I thought I won tonight.
"But look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time and I will."
He added: "I knew I was on this level. I thought I was good enough to beat Usman. I really thought I was going to win tonight. I am f***ing heartbroken to be honest."
A rematch could well be on the cards following last night's cracker, with Hughes insisting that Belfast host the fight.
"Look at this packed arena tonight. As I have said before, the PFL (Professional Fighters League) believed in me and I believe in them.
"I can't wait to see what lies in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast. It has to be in Belfast. We have to bring it back to Ireland.
"We need a homecoming for me. I think I have earned this. And one thing I would say, all the guys from Dagestan will be welcomed with open arms in Ireland. We have great respect for a small fighting nation like you guys.
"The lines get blurred and maybe it got personal between me and Usman, but we settled our differences in here tonight. And I know for a fact we will do it again some day, and I know I will be the victor next time.
"So please, bring it back to Belfast, PFL. Come on!"
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