Hughes Denounces Controversial Loss: 'It Was a Ridiculous Decision'

Following a contentious title bout, Paul Hughes expresses disbelief over the judges' decision, calling for a rematch and reflecting on the fight's key moments.

In an electrifying lightweight title fight at Bellator in Dubai on January 25, 2025, Irish contender Paul Hughes faced off against reigning champion Usman Nurmagomedov. Despite a valiant effort, Hughes ultimately lost the match, with judges scoring it 48-46, 48-46, and one drawing it at 47-47 in favor of Nurmagomedov, who improved his impressive record to 19-0.

Hughes emerged from the fight visibly frustrated, insisting that he believed he had done enough to secure the victory. "As always I'm going to have to watch it back to get a good assessment and a clear-minded assessment, but as we know, we all thought I won that one," he stated in a video shared on his Instagram account. The Irishman openly criticized the judges’ interpretations, claiming, "The judges' scorecards were pretty ridiculous, but I'll watch it back with a clear mind."

While acknowledging that he respected the competition, Hughes felt the atmosphere in the arena and the reactions from fans indicated his performance deserved a different verdict. He reflected, "Just judging from the energy of the arena and everyone surrounding the cage, I thought it was mine."

A pivotal moment in the bout came in the fourth round when a clash of heads prompted a stoppage for a medical check on Nurmagomedov, which Hughes believes changed the fight's trajectory. "I felt like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I knew my momentum was coming up. That changed the flow, and he got good recovery," Hughes analyzed.

In light of the contentious decision, Hughes called for a rematch, stating, "I'm not going to make excuses, though; I should have pushed harder and I will the next time. I know we'll fight again." Hughes expressed confidence that he could adjust his strategy to clinch victory in a potential rematch.

As this chapter in Hughes's career closes, the MMA community eagerly awaits a possible redemption fight with Nurmagomedov, offering both fighters a chance to solidify their legacies in the octagon.

What to Read Next

Paul Hughes Vows Victory as PFL Returns to Belfast: A Night of MMA Thrills
MMA

Paul Hughes Vows Victory as PFL Returns to Belfast: A Night of MMA Thrills

Paul Hughes promises a spectacular win as PFL returns to Belfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of MMA action.

Ian Machado Garry Triumphs Over Carlos Prates in UFC Fight Night Showdown
MMA

Ian Machado Garry Triumphs Over Carlos Prates in UFC Fight Night Showdown

Ian Machado Garry secures a hard-fought victory against Carlos Prates at UFC Fight Night, showcasing resilience and strategic prowess in Kansas City.

Michael 'Venom' Page Eyes Leon Edwards Clash to Ascend UFC Welterweight Ranks
MMA

Michael 'Venom' Page Eyes Leon Edwards Clash to Ascend UFC Welterweight Ranks

Michael 'Venom' Page aims to leverage a potential fight against Leon Edwards to climb the UFC welterweight rankings and make a significant impact in the division.

Alex Pereira Addresses Retirement Rumors: 'I Was Hacked'
MMA

Alex Pereira Addresses Retirement Rumors: 'I Was Hacked'

Former UFC champion Alex Pereira denies retirement rumors, claiming his social media was hacked. Learn more about his current status and future plans.

Mason Jones' UFC Comeback: Proving His Worth in the Octagon
MMA

Mason Jones' UFC Comeback: Proving His Worth in the Octagon

Mason Jones returns to UFC, determined to prove his worth against Jeremy Stephens in a high-stakes lightweight bout.

BKFC's Withdrawal of Former UFC Fighter Jeff Molina's Signing Announcement
MMA

BKFC's Withdrawal of Former UFC Fighter Jeff Molina's Signing Announcement

BKFC retracted the signing of banned ex-UFC fighter Jeff Molina.

Kayla Harrison Urges Amanda Nunes' UFC Comeback
MMA

Kayla Harrison Urges Amanda Nunes' UFC Comeback

Kayla Harrison backs Amanda Nunes' potential UFC return.

Pimblett's Triumphant Victory at UFC 314 Shakes Up the Lightweight Division
MMA

Pimblett's Triumphant Victory at UFC 314 Shakes Up the Lightweight Division

Paddy Pimblett earns a major win against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, aiming for top opponents.

Elliott's Upcoming UFC Showdown with Brahimaj
MMA

Elliott's Upcoming UFC Showdown with Brahimaj

Oban Elliott to face Ramiz Brahimaj in a UFC welterweight fight on 31 May.

Pimblett's Spectacular Ascent to UFC Lightweight's Top 10
MMA

Pimblett's Spectacular Ascent to UFC Lightweight's Top 10

Pimblett surges into UFC's top 10 lightweight rankings after a big win.

Lerone Murphy's Path to MMA Stardom: Facing the Ultimate Challenge
MMA

Lerone Murphy's Path to MMA Stardom: Facing the Ultimate Challenge

Lerone Murphy aims for MMA glory as he takes on a tough opponent.

Lerone Murphy's Unbeatable Streak Continues in UFC
MMA

Lerone Murphy's Unbeatable Streak Continues in UFC

Britain's Lerone Murphy outclasses Josh Emmett to stay unbeaten in UFC.

Clash of Titans: Pimblett's Granite Chin Meets Chandler's Power at UFC 314
MMA

Clash of Titans: Pimblett's Granite Chin Meets Chandler's Power at UFC 314

Liverpool's rising star Paddy Pimblett defends his unbreakable reputation against veteran Michael Chandler in a high-stakes UFC 314 co-main event, with title implications on the line.

PFL Europe Belfast Showdown: Philpott vs McGrillen in High-Stakes Co-Main Event
MMA

PFL Europe Belfast Showdown: Philpott vs McGrillen in High-Stakes Co-Main Event

Alan Philpott returns to home turf against PFL Europe champion Lewis McGrillen in a thrilling bantamweight clash at SSE Arena on May 10.

Rising British MMA Star Mick Parkin: The Heavyweight Phenom Taking UFC by Storm
MMA

Rising British MMA Star Mick Parkin: The Heavyweight Phenom Taking UFC by Storm

Undefeated British heavyweight Mick Parkin discusses his rapid UFC rise, training with elite fighters, and his upcoming bout at UFC London.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.