Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes: Irishman calls judging of loss ‘pretty ridiculous’
Irishman Paul Hughes believes he deserves a win when he faces Usman Nurmagomedov in their Bellator lightweight title match in Dubai on Saturday night.
The champion later admitted he “underestimated” Hughes but retained his belt and expanded the record to 19 wins and 0 losses. The referee ruled in favor of him with scores of 47-47, 48-46, 48-46.
However, the 27-year-old challenger said the decision was “pretty ridiculous”.
“As always, I have to look back at the game to get a good assessment and a clear assessment, but as we all know, we all thought I won that game,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram account.
“I thought the judges’ scorecard was ridiculous, but like I said, I’ll look back on it with a clear head.
“I just judged it by the energy of everyone around the arena and the cage. I thought that was mine.”
