Hughes wants Nurmagomedov rematch after Miranda TKO

Paul Hughes has called on the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to stage his rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov "as soon as possible".

The Derry fighter secured an emphatic 42-second knockout victory over Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday night and immediately targeted a second bout with the Bellator lightweight champion.

When the pair met in January, Nurmagomedov extended his unbeaten streak to 19 fights after the judges scored the fight 47-47, 48-46, 48-46 in his favour.

"[A rematch] has to be next," said Hughes.

"Make the fight as soon as possible. The PFL would be absolutely crazy not to make that fight next. Let's make it happen.

"I believe I'm one of the best, pound-for-pound, on the planet. I think that when I get the fight and beat Usman, that will be the proof."

Hughes had previously called for a rematch to be staged in Belfast but said it would now "probably be in Dubai".

Likely headed on the road for his next fight, the 28-year-old savoured his homecoming victory over Miranda as he returned as headliner to the same venue where he had made his debut in 2017.

"I will never, ever forget the entire experience," he added.

"That's something I'll go to the grave with.

"It's so good it doesn't feel real. I need to pinch myself."