PFL News: Paul Hughes Throws Shade at Usman Nurmagomedov for Previous Drug Suspension

"Big News" isn't holding back after Khabib Nurmagomedov's comments about Irish MMA.

(Bellator MMA)

The war of words between Paul Hughes and the Nurmagomedov family continues to get more heated ahead of Road to Dubai Champion Series.

Hughes Takes Shot At Usman Nurmagomedov For Failed Drug Test

A former Cage Warriors Cchampion, Hughes signed on with the PFL last year and defeated Bobby King by second round TKO at Bellator Champions Series: Dublin. The 27-year-old went on to make his formal debut under the PFL banner with a split decision against former Bellator titleholder AJ McKee at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October.

PFL News: Paul Hughes Fires Back at Khabib Nurmagomedov's Comments on Irish MMA

“Big News” was quick to grab the microphone and call for a shot against undefeated Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov following his win over McKee, and the two men are set to headline the first PFL/Bellator card of 2025 at Road to Dubai Champions Series on January 25.

Hughes took issue with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov’s comments earlier this week regarding the quality of fighters coming out of Dagestan compared to Ireland, and now the 27-year-old has thrown some shade at Khabib’s cousin Usman for a failed drug test that turned his Bellator title defense against Brent Primus into a No Contest.

Dagestan number 1 at juicing bratha 💉 pic.twitter.com/ff82h3Q6ko

— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 3, 2025

Nurmagomedov retained the Bellator lightweight belt despite the suspension, and nearly a year removed from that overturned win against Primus at Bellator 300 the 26-year-old returned at Bellator Champions Series: San Diego last September and handed Alexander Shabliy his first loss since 2016.

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Hughes will enter the Road to Dubai main event riding a seven-fight win streak, and before he challenges Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title SBG Ireland fighters Nathan Kelly and Kenny Mokhonoana will take on undefeated Dagestani fighters Khasan Magomedsharipov and Ibragim Ibragimov as part of a main card that the PFL/Bellator are promoting as “Dagestan vs. Ireland”.

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