Paul Hughes electrified Belfast with a 42-second TKO victory over Bruno Miranda at PFL Europe’s opening event on May 10, 2025. The lightweight clash, held at SSE Arena and streamed on DAZN, saw Hughes dominate with a sharp left hook and ground strikes. The crowd erupted, celebrating the Derry native’s triumphant return.
Hughes, fighting on home soil for the first time since 2019, caught Miranda’s lazy kick and countered with a devastating blow. The referee stopped the bout as Hughes unleashed relentless punches, marking his seventh career knockout. His performance underscored his rising star power in the Professional Fighters League.
In the cage, Hughes seized the microphone and issued a fiery challenge.
“Usman Nurmagomedov! You can run, you can try to delay this rematch as long as you want, but your day is f*cking coming!” he roared, reigniting their rivalry.
The callout targeted the Bellator lightweight champion who defeated Hughes in January 2025.
Miranda, a Brazilian veteran with 17 wins, entered with confidence after beating Patricky Pitbull in June 2024. His 11 finishes, including nine knockouts, made him a dangerous foe, but Hughes’ speed overwhelmed him. The loss dropped Miranda to 17-6, halting his momentum.
Hughes, now 14-2, bounced back from a controversial majority decision loss to Nurmagomedov in Dubai. That five-round battle, one of 2025’s best, saw Hughes push the champion despite a point deduction against Nurmagomedov. His Belfast triumph strengthens his case for a rematch.
PFL Belfast, the first of four 2025 European events, kicked off the lightweight tournament quarterfinals. Hughes, not in the tournament, headlined to capitalize on his local draw, selling out SSE Arena. The card also featured Lewis McGrillen’s upset submission over Alan Philpott.
Hughes’ walkout, led by Irish musician Foy Vance, set an electric tone. The 27-year-old, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, leveraged the crowd’s energy to fuel his quick finish. His performance echoed Cedric Doumbe’s crowd-driven wins in France.
The event, broadcast globally, highlighted PFL’s growing European presence. CEO Pete Murray praised Hughes’ vocal support, noting the arena’s atmosphere as historic. Hughes’ knockout clip, shared widely online, boosted his profile.
42 SECONDS IS ALL IT TOOK 😱
WHAT A HOMECOMING FOR PAUL HUGHES!#PFLBelfast | LIVE NOW pic.twitter.com/kuOwUPHvSg
— PFL (@PFLMMA) May 10, 2025
Hughes’ Star Power Soars in Belfast
Hughes’ swift victory positions him for a potential Nurmagomedov rematch, a fight he’s chased since January. Nurmagomedov, 19-0-1, initially said Hughes needed multiple wins, but later softened, suggesting one victory might suffice. Hughes’ performance leaves little doubt he’s ready.
The Nurmagomedov rivalry stems from their razor-close Dubai bout, scored 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47. Some, including MMA Decisions’ media scores, saw it as a draw, fueling Hughes’ belief he won. His callout in Belfast keeps the pressure on Nurmagomedov.
Hughes’ camp, split between Belfast, Florida, and Dubai, prepared him meticulously. He called Miranda a “world title-level” threat, respecting his knockout power. His focus ensured no repeat of upsets like Ryan Garcia’s loss to Rolly Romero.
Miranda, who trained with Hughes in Thailand in 2016, anticipated a striking battle. His split-decision win over Pitbull showed his grit, but Hughes’ precision proved too much. Miranda’s durability against Brent Primus and Olivier Aubin-Mercier made Hughes’ win notable.
Hughes’ 14-2 record includes wins over AJ McKee and Bobby King, cementing his elite status. His seven knockouts tie him among PFL’s top finishers. Belfast’s victory adds a marquee name to his resume.
Nurmagomedov, trained by Khabib Nurmagomedov, faces pressure to rematch Hughes. His 2023 six-month ban for a banned substance, which he called medication, adds context to Hughes’ confidence. Hughes believes five rounds favor him.
PFL’s 2025 plans include Orlando events, but Hughes’ Belfast performance may fast-track him to a title shot. His ability to sell out arenas makes him a promotional asset. The Nurmagomedov rematch could headline a major card.
