PFL: Paul Hughes supremely assured for Usman Nurmagomedov rematch

[ad_1] Paul Hughes says he has "by no means been so assured" as he prepares to rematch PFL light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai on Friday.

Their first assembly in January went the way in which of Nurmagomedov by the use of majority resolution as he retained the then Bellator title.

Hughes returned with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda at Belfast's SSE Enviornment in Could, a victory which opened the door for a second crack on the title.

The Lavey native lower a relaxed determine as he confronted his remaining collection of questions within the build-up to Friday's rematch and, having shared 5 rounds with Nurmagomedov earlier this 12 months, is definite he'll full the job this time.

"I imagine I end him," Hughes stated.

"I imagine I drag him into deep water as soon as once more and this time I drown him. I've the power to knock anybody out at any time. I additionally know I've the power with this coaching camp to win each spherical, so no matter manner it goes, it goes.

"I've had a 10-month coaching camp and a rematch. I've executed 5 rounds (with Nurmagomedov), had loads of reads, have had a rematch earlier than in my profession for a world title (towards Jordan Vucenic for the Cage Warriors featherweight title in 2022). The second combat, I beat the man 50-43 on some scorecards, so I've by no means been extra assured."

Though feeling constructive, Hughes can also be respectful of the problem forward, insisting the defending champion "does not have any holes" in his arsenal.

Nonetheless, he suspects that though Nurmagomedov will change his method and make use of extra wrestling early within the contest, there's nonetheless a way he's being neglected.

"We're competing on the highest stage and I'd price him within the prime 5 fighters on the planet, so there aren't any holes," he careworn.

"It is as much as me to implement my gameplan higher than his on Friday.

"I nonetheless assume there's something there he's underestimating me. I nonetheless assume he has that little little bit of immaturity, conceitedness, that may get him in hassle."