"This should be a banger" - Fans react to Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes' heated faceoff ahead of PFL title fight

Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes recently locked horns in a charged faceoff ahead of their title bout. Nurmagomedov is poised to put his Bellator lightweight title on the line against Hughes in the headline bout of the Road to Dubai Champions Series. The event is set to take place this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena in the UAE.

The upcoming clash has been billed as ‘Dagestan vs. Ireland 2,’ drawing parallels to the legendary UFC 229 title fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. Similarly, Usman and Hughes appear to share a comparable rivalry.

On Tuesday, Usman and Hughes participated in a pre-fight promotional staredown, which quickly escalated into a fiery war of words. The tension soared as 'Big News' accused the undefeated Dagestani of dismissing him and displaying overconfidence.

Check out the faceoff between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes below:

Fans had mixed reactions to the interaction between Nurmagomedov and Hughes. While some criticized the reigning 155-pound champion for displaying arrogant behavior, others relished the intense tension between the two fighters.

One fan wrote:

"This should be a banger."

Another wrote:

"Nothing wrong with being like this. But I think we should stop this 'humble' gimmick for these Dagestani fighters."

Another commented:

"'Who are you?' When you’re only followed by Russia. Usman is disrespectful."

Check out some more reactions below:

Comments from @arielhelwani and @ChampRDS on X.

The upcoming bout will mark Nurmagomedov's third title defense as he returns to the cage following a commanding unanimous decision victory over Alexander Shabliy at the Bellator Champions Series in San Diego this past September.

Meanwhile, 'Big News' will be competing for the title in only his third fight with the promotion. Hughes last fought in October at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants, where he earned a gritty split decision victory over AJ McKee.

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Usman Nurmagomedov dismisses Paul Hughes’ chances in title fight

Usman Nurmagomedov believes Paul Hughes poses no significant challenge to his Bellator lightweight title. During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov asserted that he is on a completely different level compared to Hughes in terms of skill, stating that his upcoming opponent has nothing unique to bring to the table when they face off:

"He said when he punches me, something will change – but who can do that? Someone has punched me? Never. No. Nobody can touch me. … Sometimes, I’m really thinking like, ‘How can he beat me? How?’ Even striking, I’m much better than him in striking. I don’t know what his plan is for this fight, but I will follow my plans and do my job. I don’t care what he will do."

Check out Usman Nurmagomedov's comments below (10:08):