Outside Source
Hughes faced his Dagestani rival in a rematch at PFL Champions Series 3, where he dropped a unanimous decision in a lightweight championship bout on Oct. 3 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After falling to Nurmagomedov via majority decision in their first meeting, “Big News” hoped for a different result this time around. However, the Irishman admitted that he didn’t do enough to get the nod.
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“Lay it all on the line and unfortunately it didn’t go in my favor once again,” Hughes wrote on Instagram. “It was a close fight, but I did not do enough. I did not fight in the way needed too to win (convincingly). To beat one of the best fighters in the world in home territory you must operate at 110 percent. I didn’t do that and it is my responsibility.”
While Hughes remains optimistic about his future, an active schedule in recent months means that he plans on taking some time off to recover.
Hughes: A New Mission Begins
“Still 28 years old with the world at my feet,” Hughes added. “This chapter is over now, but the next one is going to be even more special. Trust me on that. Any adversity in my life has only propelled me to new heights. What I have achieved in the last 18 months since my last fight on Cage Warriors has been nothing short of special. [Six] fights in 18 months has been a blessing, but it has also taken its toll.
“Right now I need to take some forced time to let my body heal. When I come back healthy, it is my MISSION, to make sure that no lightweight on the planet comes CLOSE to beating me ever again. I will be the UNDISPUTED number one 155er in the world within the next two years. Mark this. A new mission begins.”
A former Cage Warriors champion, Hughes was a high-profile signing for PFL. He earned a marquee victory in his promotional debut, taking a split verdict over former Bellator featherweight champ A.J. McKee. That set the stage for his first meeting with Nurmagomedov this past January. After scrocing a 42-second stoppage against Bruno Miranda on May 10, the Irishman was booked for the rematch with Nurmagomedov.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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