Hughes Accepts Khabib's Dagestan Invite...On One Condition

Yesterday at 10:00 PM

Despite losing a unanimous decision to Usman Nurmagomedov in their Lightweight title fight at the recent PFL "Road to Dubai" event in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (see it again here), Paul Hughes' stock shot to the moon, and gained the respect of fighters around the world.

Among the many who were in awe with "Big News'" performance was none other than Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was cornering his cousin Usman for the the bout. In fact, "The Eagle" was so impressed that he took the opportunity to invite Hughes and his family to Dagestan.

"Thank you for the fight Paul Hughes and for the experience, I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want, believe me you will like it and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations," wrote Nurmagomedov on X, to which Hughes accepted with one stipulation.

"Thank you Team Khabib, I have great respect for you, your team and your nation. I would be honored to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favor in Ireland. But please, only after I get to rematch Usman."

Indeed, Hughes called for an immediate rematch to go down in his backyard of Ireland, though Usman feels the talented Irishman needs to work his way back up to another shot at his strap.

The fight was being billed as "Dagestan vs. Ireland 2" due to the rich history between Khabib and Conor McGregor. Once the dust settled, however, Nurmagomedov was quick to say he appreciated Ireland for its support to Palestine, seemingly burying the hatchet between the two sides.

"Notorious," though, was not impressed.

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