Exclusive Q&A: Paul Hughes ready to win at home against Bruno Miranda - 'First-round, knockout'

He lost by majority decision after five rounds to Usman Nurmagomedov last January for the Bellator lightweight belt. 

On May 10, Paul Hughes will be back at home in Belfast against Bruno Miranda. DAZN News spoke to the fighter, who is ready to win in front of his home crowd.

DAZN News: How does it feel to be the main event at home, at the SSE Arena?

Paul Hughes: It feels really good. It feels like dreams coming true.

DN: What do you think of your opponent, Miranda?

PH: I think he's very dangerous. I think that he's someone that I absolutely have to take seriously. First-round, knockout. I will certainly be calling for Usman Nurmagomedov after I get that KO victory. I think he's one of the best fighters in the world.

DN: What did you learn from that defeat against Usman Nurmagomedov?

PH: I learned that whenever I get the rematch, I'm going to knock this guy clean out. I'm going to put more pressure on him early and really damage him at the early ends of the fight.

DN: His friend Gadzhi Rabadanov won the PFL World Lightweight Tournament in 2024 and is now in the semi-final. Can you face him one day?

PH: Yes, absolutely. Someday after I beat Usman.

DN: Why didn't you do the World Lightweight Tournament?

PH: Because I want that world title against Usman. I also have the opportunity to fight at home in Belfast, so that is more important to me than anything.

DN: After the fight against Usman, Khabib Nurmagomedov invited you to Dagestan. Can we see you one day train with them?

PH: Yeah, I would love to take him up on that offer someday after I have beaten all of his team.

DN: Before the fight, there was a lot of tension between Usman and yourself. And after the fight, there was only respect. Can you explain what happened?

PH: Because I humbled that man. I did exactly what I said I was going to do. Put pressure on him, put a piece on him, but next time I know that I will come out the victor.

DN: Can you train one day with Ian Garry?

PH: Yes, absolutely. I came up on the scene together with Ian Garry, so he is a friend, so potentially someday.

DN: What is your message to the Irish fans before the fight?

PH: My message is, first of all, thank you for all the support so far, and I hope that this is some small repayment for all the support I have received throughout the years.

DN: There is a footballer who will fight in Paris in the PFL, Patrice Evra. What do you think of his decision?

PH: I think it's a great decision. I think, 'why not try something incredibly difficult?' Because life is very short, so fair play to him.

DN: You're 28 years old. Do you think that you are in your prime or you need some time?

PH: I think I'm in my prime. I think I'm a young veteran at this point, so I'm definitely in the prime years of my career.