Ireland vs. Dagestan 2 caused quite an uproar in the fighting community when Paul Hughes asked Conor McGregor to corner him in his fight against Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator FC lightweight championship belt. Needless to say, it would have been a massive event for the MMA realm. However, with McGregor facing troubles of his own, Hughes initiated a U-turn. 

During a recent conversation with MMA Fighting, the interviewer asked ‘Big News’ about the situation with ‘The Notorious’ in his corner. The lightweight fighter claimed that he said it in the heat of the moment, and didn’t really mean it. He said, “Look, I mean the whole corner thing, that was the post-fight interview where things were just being thrown there. Other than that, that just blew up and did the rounds on social media a couple of times. Other than that, I haven’t mentioned it or looked about anything to do that. And obviously with things going down now, it’s not something I’m going to continue to pursue.”

It wasn’t just McGregor, but even Ian Garry pitched in to corner his fellow Irishman. This act pleased Hughes. He continued, “But hearing Ian say that was cool, you know. It was kind of funny because it’s kind of this full circle moment where we’re all at now.” He pointed out the fight between Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov fighting for the number 1 contender’s spot in the welterweight division. And the funny thing was that Rakhmonov and Garry trained together, too. 

Hughes went on, “And then just a number of years ago we were coming up together on Cage Warriors, I was jumping in doing his corner for his world title fight. And then coincidentally, we were both fighting guys who were 18-0. It’s funny how it’s all playing out. But it certainly seems like Irish MMA is back, for sure.” 

In the civil case filed against him, the jury found McGregor liable. The jury ordered him to pay Nikita Hand in damages and legal fees. Ever since then, things seem to have been slipping out of his control. Take cornering Hughes for example. But ‘Mystic Mac’ had nothing but good wishes to impart to his fellow compatriot.

Conor McGregor was ready to corner Paul Hughes

Before Hughes dubbed his bout against Usman Nurmagomedov as ‘Ireland vs. Dagestan 2’, McGregor praised ‘Big News’ for his last win over AJ McKee at PFL’s Battle of the Giants. But when the former UFC double champion stumbled over the Hughes’ request to corner him, ‘Mystic Mac’ quoted, “Paul my man I will go to the arena and support 100% for sure and if it kicks off I’ll be in there before you could even say ‘The [Nurmagomedovs] are juice head inbred rats married to their cousins.’” 

‘The Notorious’ further boosted ‘Big News’s confidence and morale. Determined to help Hughes snatch the Bellator FC lightweight title from Nurmagomedov, McGregor said, “Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way! You’ve got this! We are with you brother, bring home the Gold!”

The rivalry between the Irishmen and Dagestani fighters has always kept the fight fans on the edge of their seats. After all, McGregor’s rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov was iconic and dramatic enough to boost MMA’s popularity. But with Hughes taking a U-turn from letting McGregor corner him, things might go towards a bit of an unpleasantry surprise. 

Do you think McGregor should have cornered Hughes in his next fight? Drop down to the comments below and let us know what you think.