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Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov laid the groundwork for the legendary Ireland vs. Dagestan rivalry that has captivated the combat sports world. You might think Khabib’s decisive victory over McGregor would have settled the score for good. But the feud seems to be reigniting with the next generation of fighters. Now, Khabib’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, is set to clash with Irish star Paul Hughes in a showdown that transcends titles—this is about legacies and unfinished business.

So, who has the edge in this high-stakes bout? While fans and pundits speculate, a notable voice weighed in: former UFC heavyweight champion and current PFL champion Francis Ngannou. Speaking with Bellator MMA, Ngannou shared his thoughts on the matchup. “I fought on the same card with Paul in Riyadh, and personally, I wasn’t counting him in. That was my mistake,” he admitted. “But he managed to take out A.J. McKee clean—no arguments about that. From that moment, he earned my respect.”

As for Usman, Ngannou highlighted his ability to overwhelm opponents in ways reminiscent of his famous cousin. “Usman has been around for so long. We’ve seen him drag people into deep waters, into the ocean, and just drown them there,” Ngannou said. “And I think that’s very much backed up by Khabib.”

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“The [main] event will be massive because you don’t just have two great fighters; you have two incredible stories,” Ngannou further stated on the Bellator YouTube channel. Ngannou, who famously crossed oceans and deserts to achieve his own dreams, reflected on the individuality of each fighter’s journey. He acknowledged that every competitor brings a unique story to the fight. Now, Paul Hughes, the proud 155fer from Ireland, is ready to show the world that his homeland is more than its lush landscapes and whiskey pubs—it’s a breeding ground for world-class athletes.

Paul Hughes is ready to define his own legacy

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Paul Hughes shared a glimpse of his final preparations for the highly anticipated fight via his Instagram. Posting a photo with his team, he captioned it: “Last week of camp incoming. Thanks so much @falconsmmadxb for having us. Great facility and great people.” The message underscores Hughes’ undivided focus and commitment to his goal: capturing the Bellator lightweight championship.

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Can Paul Hughes silence Khabib's critique and prove Ireland's fighters are world-class?

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On the other side of the cage stands Usman Nurmagomedovwho isn’t convinced Hughes deserves this shot. Known for his calculated approach both in and out of the ring, Usman dismissed the Irishman’s performances as overhyped by the media. “Maybe this fight is good for the media, and that’s why they give me Paul,” he remarked, signaling his belief that Hughes has yet to prove himself on the world stage.

The tension doesn’t end there. Khabib weighed in with a blunt critique of Irish MMA, stating, “Ireland doesn’t have fighters, brother. Paul Hughes and Conor McGregor—who else? There are no fighters.” Hughes, however, wasn’t one to let that slide. He fired back with a comment on ESPN MMA’s social media post, writing, “You forgot the part where they [Dagestani fighters] take ster–ds together.”

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The jab is a reference to Usman’s 2023 positive test for banned substances, which led to a six-month suspension and a $50,000 fine. While Usman’s camp claimed the test result was due to prescribed medication for an illness, the controversy remains a blemish on his otherwise flawless career.

Both camps are now dragging skeletons out of the closet to fuel the rivalry further. As the fight looms, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Paul Hughes prove that Ireland is home to world-class fighters, or will Team Khabib continue to dominate the MMA landscape? Share your thoughts on this explosive matchup below!

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Can Paul Hughes silence Khabib's critique and prove Ireland's fighters are world-class?