Paul Hughes (born 27 March 1997) is an Irish professional mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). A professional MMA fighter since 2017, Hughes is a former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion.

He won his 1st 6 fights, all by stoppage, before suffering the lone loss of his career: a split decision to Jordan Vucenic in 2020. He redeemed himself in the rematch vs. Vucenic in 2022, defeating him to capture the Cage Warriors Featherweight title. He went 8-1 in Cage Warriors. Hughes played Gaelic football and hurling while growing up.

Jan 25, 2025 · Paul Hughes gave Usman Nurmagomedov everything he could handle at PFL Dubai on Saturday afternoon. Nurmagomedov though kept his PFL belt with a majority decision (47-47, 48-46 x2) despite being...

1 day ago · Watch Usman Nurmagomedov defend his lightweight title against Paul Hughes in arguably the best fight in PFL history.

Mar 20, 2017 · Paul "Big News" Hughes (13-2-0) is a Pro MMA Fighter out of Belfast, Northern Ireland and the #39th ranked Top Lightweight MMA fighter. View complete Tapology profile, bio, rankings, photos, news and record.

Jan 25, 2025 · Paul Hughes has been one of MMA’s best rising stars coming out of Ireland. At 13-1, Hughes, who signed with the PFL last year, comes into tonight with a seven-fight win streak. He defeated Bobby King in Dublin back in June before a huge, split decision win over former Bellator champion AJ McKee at PFL Battle of the Giants in October to earn tonight’s title shot.

Oct 19, 2024 · Paul Hughes went 6-2 on the amateur circuit before starting his pro career in 2017, winning his first six fights. Hughes’s lone loss in his pro career thus far came in a split decision against Jordan Vucenic, but Hughes won the rematch and captured featherweight gold in …

Oct 19, 2024 · Paul Hughes officially graduated from prospect to contender with his performance at PFL: Battle of the Giants on Saturday. In just his second fight under the PFL banner, Hughes scored a...

Oct 16, 2024 · Paul Hughes might just be the next big thing in mixed martial arts. Hughes signed with PFL as the most sought-after free agent in MMA after the company outbid UFC. The 27-year-old is represented by...

Jan 28, 2025 · Days prior, during their first face-to-face, PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov confirmed Paul Hughes’ suspicions that Nurmagomedov believed their meeting would be a cake walk.