UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov Praises PFL Star Paul Hughes: ‘Real Deal’

Khabib Nurmagomedov recently praised Paul Hughes ahead of his highly anticipated rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov. The UFC legend called Hughes a worthy contender, as he makes another shot at PFL gold.

Hughes will face Nurmagomedov in the main event of PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai on Oct. 3. It is a rematch of their tightly contested first bout at PFL Champions Series 1. In that matchup, the Dagestani walked away with a majority decision victory.

Despite the loss, Hughes impressed many within the MMA community. Among them was ‘The Eagle’, who spoke highly of ‘Big News’ performance during his cousin, Usman’s post-fight interview.

Speaking to the PFL’s social media team, Nurmagomedov acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for. He stressed that Hughes deserves this second opportunity and had earned the rematch.

“I think it’s gonna be [a] huge rematch because of [the] first fight. It was not easy because of Paul Hughes,” Nurmagomedov said. “This guy is a dog. You have to be ready for him because if you don’t finish him, he’s going to keep coming.”

He further praised Hughes for his resilience and heart.

“Paul is a tough guy. I think he’s [the] real deal, I think he’s a real contender, and he deserves rematch, definitely.”

Paul Hughes Vows to Fight More Aggressively in Rematch With Usman Nurmagomedov

Hughes recently spoke about his approach to his upcoming rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov. ‘Big News’ plans to bring more aggression this time around.

He admitted that he took his foot off the gas in their first encounter. This allowed Nurmagomedov to recover and regain enough momentum to edge out a win.

Speaking to the PFL’s social media team, Hughes promised to keep pressure on Nurmagomedov. He wants to put the Dagestani in uncomfortable positions and test his endurance again.

“I truly believe that I break [Nurmagomedov] in there, I bring him back to that place,” Hughes said. “That place that he had never been before.”

He added:

“This time, I cannot let him out of it. I have to take him into deep waters and I have to [expletive] drown him this time. And that’s what I will do.”

Usman Nurmagomedov Vows to Earn Statement Win Against Hughes

Although Hughes believes he has what it takes to defeat Nurmagomedov, the Dagestani doesn’t agree. The PFL champion believes he outperformed ‘Big News’ in every area.

Speaking to the PFL’s social media team, Nurmagomedov said he plans to shut down all doubt. He doesn’t buy into the hype surrounding Hughes and wants to send a clear message.

“Everywhere, I beat him. Striking, wrestling, grappling, everywhere I was better than him,” Nurmagomedov said. “People like hype around him, around our fight. If they want, why not? I have to do my job and this time I will do it. It’s gonna be clean job.”

Nurmagomedov has a strong support system that includes his cousin, Khabib and coach Javier Mendez. That experience and knowledge will play a major role in his preparation for the rematch with Hughes.

Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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