5-Star Prospect Paul Hughes Has Big Plans for Bellator Championship Series Dublin

Paul Hughes became one of Ireland’s most popular fighters in under a dozen bouts. Now, his sights are set on the globe. The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion has big plans since signing with the Professional Fighters League last April, but first, he must handle business on home soil.

Before competing in the PFL season, the 27-year-old Belfast native will make his company debut against Bobby King in the Bellator Champions Series Dublin co-main event on June 22 at 3Arena. The event will stream live in HBO’s Max app in the U.S.

Hughes co-headlines the card led by Bellator MMA welterweight champion Jason Jackson’s showdown against Ramazan Kurmagomedov, but will receive the most love from the hometown fans. Hughes is a budding star and will have the pro-Irish crowd in the palm of his gloves.

“It’s going to be a big moment for me because 3Arena is so iconic,” Hughes said. “To have the opportunity to co-headline it is awesome. It’s a nice add-on to my career and what I’ve achieved so far.”

Hughes (11-1) avenged his only career loss and has won five straight since December 2020. With knockout power in both hands and a loyal fanbase in his corner, Hughes garnered interest from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but feels confident he made the right choice signing with PFL.

“It’s been a good run so far, he said. “I’d like to say I’m a young veteran in this game, but I do think I’m restarting at the same time. Signing on to PFL/Bellator is a new lease on life. I’ve got this new energy throughout my training camp and it’s very exciting.”

Despite being the favorite, Hughes doesn’t overlook King (12-6). He’s done his homework and even says he’ll be in for a “fuc*ing hard night” against the Bellator vet. King has experience and comes from a strong camp at Bang Muay Thai. He’ll do whatever he can to spoil Hughes’ coming out party.

“There’s always a gameplan, but you can never plan too far ahead,” King said. “We’re going to go out there, fight, and figure out the puzzle as we fight.”

Hughes respects the threat but doesn’t see how King can slow him down. Since he started splitting his camps between Fight Academy Ireland and Kill Cliff FC, Hughes has seen exponential improvements in his game. He’s been sharpening his tools against the best and feels confident he’ll live up to the hype.

Although Hughes will ultimately have to wait and see how the opportunities line up for him, the rising star already has an ideal plan in front of him. If successful in Dublin, Hughes already knows what he wants the next couple of years to look like.

“I think it’s pretty simple,” Hughes said. “Three more fights and three more wins this year. Enter the $1 million tournament. Have the perfect season. Finish everybody I fight. Win the million dollars. Repeat.”