Paul Hughes

Paul Hughes (born 27 March 1997) is a professional mixed martial artist from Northern Ireland who currently competes in the Lightweight division of the Professional Fighters League (PFL). A professional since 2017, Hughes is a former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. As of February 12, 2026, he is #4 in the PFL lightweight rankings.

Background Born on March 27, 1997, in Sydney, Australia, Hughes grew up in Lavey, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, where he initially participated in sports like Gaelic football and hurling before transitioning to MMA. His professional MMA career began in 2017, debuting at BAMMA 28 and winning in 92 seconds.

Mixed martial arts career Cage Warriors Hughes first gained attention in the European MMA scene with Cage Warriors, where he won the Interim Featherweight Championship by defeating Morgan Charrière via majority decision at Cage Warriors 128. He later unified the title by winning a rematch against Jordan Vucenic by unanimous decision at Cage Warriors 145. This bout avenged his only career loss, which he suffered in a close split decision to Vucenic in 2020. Hughes was the first Irish fighter since Conor McGregor to become Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. Following a first-round knockout win over Fabiano Silva at Cage Warriors 170, Hughes left the promotion and became a free agent. He eventually signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).

Professional Fighters League / Bellator MMA Hughes made his debut by defeating Bobby King via technical knockout in the second round at Bellator Champions Series 3 on June 22, 2024. This victory set the stage for a significant challenge against A.J. McKee, a former Bellator Featherweight Champion, at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants on October 19, 2024. He won the fight by split decision.

Hughes challenged Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator Lightweight World Championship on January 25, 2025 in the main event of PFL Champions Series 1. He lost the fight via majority decision.

Hughes faced Bruno Miranda in the main event on May 10, 2025, at PFL Europe 1. He won the fight via TKO 42 seconds into the first round.

Hughes rematched Usman Nurmagomedov for the PFL Lightweight Championship on October 3, 2025, at PFL Champions Series 3. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Hughes was scheduled to face Jay-Jay Wilson in the main event on April 16, 2026, at PFL Belfast. However, Hughes withdrew due to a knee injury while training and was replaced by undefeated prospect Darragh Kelly.

Championships and accomplishments Cage Warriors Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship Cage Warriors Interim Featherweight Championship Cage Conflict Cage Conflict Featherweight Championship Cage Conflict Lightweight Championship Fight Matrix 2024 Most Improved Fighter of the Year 2024 Most Lopsided Upset of the Year MMA Fighting 2025 #2 Ranked Fight of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Usman Nurmagomedov Decision (unanimous) PFL Champions Series 3

Dubai, United Arab Emirates For the inaugural PFL Lightweight Championship. Win

Bruno Miranda TKO (punches) PFL Europe 1 (2025)

Belfast, Northern Ireland Loss

Usman Nurmagomedov Decision (majority) PFL Champions Series 1

Dubai, United Arab Emirates For the Bellator Lightweight World Championship. Nurmagomedov was deducted one point in round 3 due to repeated groin kicks. Win

A. J. McKee Decision (split) PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Win

Bobby King TKO (punches and elbows) Bellator Champions Series 3

Dublin, Ireland Win

Fabiano Silva TKO (knee and elbows) Cage Warriors 170

Dublin, Ireland Catchweight (160 lb) bout. Win

Jan Quaeyhaegens KO (punches) Cage Warriors 161

Dublin, Ireland Return to Lightweight. Win

Jordan Vucenic Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors 145

London, England Won and unified the Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship. Win

Morgan Charrière Decision (majority) Cage Warriors 128

London, England Won the interim Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship. Win

James Hendin Decision (unanimous) Cage Warriors 120

London, England Loss

Jordan Vucenic Decision (split) Cage Warriors 119

London, England Win

Aidan Stephen Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Warriors 116

Manchester, England Return to Featherweight. Win

Youri Panada KO (head kick) Cage Warriors 112

Manchester, England Catchweight (150 lb) bout. Win

Kalifa Seydi Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Conflict 2

Belfast, Northern Ireland Lightweight debut. Won the inaugural Cage Conflict Lightweight Championship. Win

Mateusz Makarowski Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Warriors: Unplugged 2

London, England Catchweight (164 lb) bout. Win

Stephen O'Neill TKO (punches) Cage Conflict 1

Belfast, Northern Ireland Won the inaugural Cage Conflict Featherweight Championship. Win

Adam Gustab TKO (punches) BAMMA 28

Belfast, Northern Ireland Featherweight debut.