Usman Nurmagomedov: Only one reason Paul Hughes has PFL title shot in Dubai

Usman Nurmagomedov continues to dismiss Paul Hughes.

Nurmagomedov (18-0) defends his lightweight title against Hughes (13-1) in the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai main event on Saturday from Coca Cola Arena.

Nurmagomedov thinks Hughes talked his way into a title opportunity, and that PFL ran with the storyline he promoted.

“Brother, nobody knows who is Paul Hughes,” Nurmagomedov told MMA Junkie. “He can talk something only because he wants to promote himself. PFL gave him this title shot only because he’s from Ireland, and they want to promote Ireland vs. Dagestan – something like that.

“I got my title shot when I was on a six-fight win streak, but I don’t care. They can put against me anyone: Paul Hughes, A.J. McKee, Alexandr Shabliy, it doesn’t matter. I will do my job, inshallah.”

Hughes became No. 1 contender when he impressed against A.J. McKee this past October at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants. When asked if he thinks Hughes is his toughest test to date, Nurmagomedov wasn’t worried about anything the Irishman has to offer.

“I think after first round, I will feel who is this guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “Technically, there’s nothing he can surprise me (with) – just little boxing, little kicks, not bad takedown defense, and that’s it.”

Nurmagomedov went all five rounds when he retained his title against Shabliy this past September, and is confident he can put on a dominant performance against Hughes.

“Inshallah, we’re going to finish this guy,” Nurmagomedov said. “I will destroy him all five rounds, or I will finish him in the first three rounds.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.