Irish MMA fighter Paul Hughes is set to challenge undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov on January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The Irishman, with a 13-1 record, earned this title shot after a notable victory over A.J. McKee in October 2024. This bout, dubbed “Dagestan vs. Ireland 2,” is the spiritual successor to the legendary 2018 McGregor-Nurmagomedov clash.

Fans are eager to see if Hughes can avenge his compatriot’s defeat and make history as Ireland’s next MMA champion. The event will be streamed live on DAZN. Hughes has shown massive improvements in his game and many feel he is a future champion in the making. But who are his training partners? Let us take a look at it below.

Who does Paul Hughes train with to improve his fighting skills?

Paul Hughes, hailing from Northern Ireland, began his MMA journey with a passion for martial arts that started in his teenage years. Growing up in Lavey County, he discovered MMA after dabbling in various sports but was immediately drawn to the discipline and complexity of the sport. Hughes joined Fight Academy Ireland (FAI) in Belfast, where he honed his skills under elite coaching. His early career was marked by impressive performances in amateur MMA, quickly earning a reputation as a rising star.

Known for his relentless work ethic and striking precision, Hughes transitioned to the professional stage, capturing fans’ attention worldwide. He joined FAI at the age of 22, crediting the head coach Liam Shannon, for elevating his career to new heights. The Irishman believes that FAI boasts one of the best coaching teams globally, as evidenced by the champions the gym has produced.

‘Big News’ started his fighting journey at just 16 years old and decided to turn professional by the time he was 19. It was Conor McGregor who inspired him and drew him into the world of martial arts. With ‘Mystic Mac’ as his source of inspiration, the former Cage Warriors 145lbs champion reached out to McGregor, asking him to corner him for the highly anticipated Ireland vs. Dagestan 2 clash. But does he train with the former dual champion? Let us find out about it below.

Is Conor McGregor one of Paul Hughes’ training partners?

With the duo coming from Ireland, many in the fighting community have speculated whether ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Big News’ train at the same gym. If true, it would suggest that McGregor is actively helping Hughes prepare and backing him in his fight against the Dagestani champion. In 2024, Hughes reached out to McGregor, inviting him to join his corner for the PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series. The former UFC double champion initially accepted the request and replied with, “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 in—d rats married to their cousins.”

However, McGregor’s next words clarified that he and Hughes do not train together. McGregor quoted, “Your team and corner have done a tremendous job with you! They will take you all the way!” The rivalry between Hughes and Nurmagomedov has garnered significant attention, with fans eager to see if Hughes can avenge McGregor’s previous defeat to the Nurmagomedov family.

Usman Nurmagomedov has acknowledged the comparisons to his cousin’s rivalry with McGregor and has expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he plans to defeat Hughes “before five rounds.” Who do you think will win between the two? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.