Usman Nurmagomedov: MMA star Paul Hughes says 2025 will be his “superstardom” year’
Hughes admitted he was the underdog in the fight but thrived in the role because of his confidence.
“People doubted me (against McGee), and they had reason to doubt it. You compare my record to his, I really shouldn’t have beaten him,” he added
“Early in my career there was no reason to take such a big step, but I had zero doubts in my mind and so did Usman.
“I’m the best 155-pound MMA fighter in the world and I’m ready for anything.”
Usman Nurmagomedov was suspended from MMA for six months in 2023 after testing positive for a banned substance, but Hughes insists “I didn’t think about it”.
Bellator lightweight champion Denies taking steroidssaid at the time that it was “taking medicine”.
Details of Nurmagomedov’s failed test were never released publicly, nor was he stripped of his title with the organization.
“It’s going to take more than steroids to beat me, especially over five rounds,” he said.
“That’s where you will be tested, and that’s where I will take him to the depths of hell.”
Hughes is trying to become a two-time champion, having previously captured the Cage Warriors featherweight title in 2022.
“I don’t know what’s more important, getting the belt or beating Usman. I’m not thinking that far ahead, I’m staying focused on the task at hand.”
However, he made a clear prediction about the outcome of the battle.
“I’m looking forward to me knocking him down early and getting him to take down shots like his life depends on it.
“That’s exactly what’s going to happen, I’m going to use it to eliminate him. Second-round knockout.”
