‘I Think I Had Him!’ | Paul Hughes on Usman Nurmagomedov Rematch

Ahead of his rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov, the Professional Fighters League Europe lightweight finalist dropped by to talk to Sean about a wide range of topics including his first meeting with the undefeated Dagestani back in January, how many adjustments he made—or didn't make—after such a close fight, and the one-sided, yet somehow controversial UFC 319 headliner between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis.

0:00 Still have some footy skills in the back pocket? How about hurling?
1:07 Nurmagomedov-Hughes 2 is set for Oct. 10. Did you have any fears that the rematch wouldn't happen? Was his team reluctant to sign?
3:56 Can PFL put on the fights that fans want to see without compromising their tournament format?
5:09 On putting together world-class training camps in Belfast with a mix of countrymen and imported talent
6:52 How many times have you watched the first Usman fight? How much do you try to change things up after such a close first fight?
8:22 Paul shares what he believes is maybe his best asset as a fighter.
11:23 Khamzat Chimaev just beat Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title, leaning heavily on his wrestling. Do you see parallels in your fight with Nurmagomedov?
13:06 You've had a fight since the first Usman fight, while he has not. Do you feel there is much advantage on either side there?
14:27 What's next if you beat Usman? Rubber match, or maybe the Archie Colgan-Mansour Barnaoui winner?