Paul Hughes is aiming to step in front of A.J. McKee in line for a shot at Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
In an important 155-pound bout at PFL: Battle of the Giants on Oct. 19 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Hughes (12-1) will face off against McKee (22-1) (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+).
Despite Nurmagomedov naming McKee as the frontrunner for the next title shot after his recent defense over Alexander Shabliy, Hughes plans to disrupt those plans.
“Right now, my focus is on fighting Usman,” Hughes told MMA Junkie Radio. “That’s Russia vs. Ireland 2. It’s an Irishman vs. a Nurmagomedov. With A.J. expected to be next in line, beating him will put me in the spotlight.”
With impressive performances so far in his career, Hughes, 27, is viewed as one of Ireland’s stand-out fighters. His upcoming bout with former Bellator champ McKee will test his capabilities at a higher level of competition.
Confident in his abilities, Hughes is prepared to show McKee what he’s made of.
“I excel in all areas,” Hughes stated. “Whether it’s wrestling or striking, I’m ready for whatever he brings. This match-up between a hungry newcomer and an experienced veteran will be interesting to watch.”
For more information about the event, check out MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL: Battle of the Giants.
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