Undefeated fighter Archie Colgan was eager for his next challenge, especially upon hearing it would be a No. 1 contender`s fight, with the winner earning a coveted shot at lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
This news was well-received by Colgan, but not so much by Paul Hughes, who has been seeking a rematch after losing a very close majority decision to Nurmagomedov earlier this year. Hughes publicly questioned the announcement on social media.
While Hughes might still get another title opportunity later, Colgan states that his recent fight against Mansour Barnaoui was clearly designated as a No. 1 contender`s bout, and his dominant victory secured that chance.
“I had known that leading into it,” Colgan confirmed, adding that his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, informed him the fight would be for the No. 1 spot.
“I do expect to fight Usman next,” Colgan stated confidently. “If I didn`t, it would have made no sense [to label] it as a No. 1 contender’s fight. They should have just called it a showcase fight then. They can’t get anymore cut and dry than that. So as of right now, I am expecting to be the next guy who fights Usman.” He emphasized that the designation left no room for ambiguity.
Colgan acknowledges Hughes` frustration, especially after Hughes recently secured a quick knockout to rebound from his loss to Nurmagomedov.
However, Colgan feels his impressive 12-0 record and consistent rise through the lightweight division solidify his claim to this opportunity.
“No shade against Paul Hughes,” Colgan remarked. “I think he’s a great fighter. I think Paul Hughes had his opportunity and he put on a great fight… and he came up a little bit short. That was his opportunity at the time. I think that I am due that next opportunity. I don’t plan on coming up short.”
Despite Hughes` near win against Nurmagomedov, he ultimately lost a close decision on the scorecards.
In their bout, Hughes demonstrated impressive takedown defense and grappling, neutralizing some of Nurmagomedov`s key strengths, particularly his wrestling. Colgan respects Hughes` performance but believes a fight against him would be significantly different.
As a former standout wrestler at the University of Wyoming, Colgan is confident he brings a wrestling threat that Hughes couldn`t match against Nurmagomedov.
“That is the argument. That’s my argument at least,” Colgan elaborated. He believes his wrestling poses a unique challenge. “Not only when [Usman] goes to take me down, it will be hard for him and he’ll know going into it that this guy has a good wrestling base so the grappling exchanges are going to be harder. But also what happens when he gets taken down? He’s never really had to look at fights from that perspective… What happens when this guy takes me down? What happens when I have to build back up and stand up and fight hands to stand back up? That is not just a possibility but it’s going to happen. I will get takedowns. I will score takedowns. I agree that he’ll probably take me down, he’s a very high level fighter… I get taken down and I’m prepared for that. No shade against Paul but I pose an offensive threat [with my wrestling], not just a defensive threat of stopping your takedowns but I’ll take you down.”
Colgan mentioned that the PFL hasn`t yet confirmed a date but expects the fight against Nurmagomedov to take place around October or November.
Should he defeat Nurmagomedov, Colgan is ready for future challenges, suggesting Hughes might get another shot at the title later, but currently needs to wait his turn.
“Of course [I would fight Paul Hughes],” Colgan stated regarding future matchups. “At that point, the shots are called then. You’re champ, you own the belt, you become the hunted. Whoever they see fit to be the person. Just like I’m lined up here. There will be a list.”
“I’m sure Usman would want a rematch,” Colgan speculated on potential challengers down the line. “I’m sure Paul Hughes would want his crack. Then there’s obviously the tournament, probably in my opinion is Gadzhi [Rabadanov] would probably be the tournament winner. There’s going to be a list of guys.”
Percy Harlow