PFL fighter Paul Hughes borrowed a tactic inspired by Tom Aspinall to send a message to his former rival.
Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov delivered an instant classic fight at PFL Champions Series 1 in January. Months later, tension between the lightweights remains high, with increasing calls for a rematch.
Hughes last fought in May at PFL Europe 1, where he quickly knocked out Bruno Miranda in just 42 seconds. Although he didn`t compete at PFL Europe 2 on Saturday, he was cageside in Brussels, showing support for his colleagues.
Even though he wasn`t fighting at PFL Europe 2, Hughes took a moment during the broadcast to taunt his main rival.
Hughes Provokes Nurmagomedov as Rematch Discussion Continues
Earlier this year at UFC London, UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall famously taunted Jon Jones on the broadcast by holding up a plastic duck, aiming at his longtime foe. However, Aspinall`s attempt to provoke a fight didn`t result in a showdown, as Jones announced his retirement from MMA the previous month.
During the PFL Europe 2 broadcast, Hughes replicated Aspinall`s viral moment, using a similar toy duck to taunt Nurmagomedov.
As of now, Nurmagomedov has not publicly responded to Hughes. Nurmagomedov had previously suggested Hughes needed to win at least one more fight to warrant a rematch.
PFL recently indicated Nurmagubov`s next opponent would be the winner of the Archie Colgan vs. Mansour Barnaoui fight from PFL World Tournament 6. Archie Colgan won that match by unanimous decision.
Hughes was reportedly displeased with PFL`s decision to name Colgan as Nurmagomedov`s next opponent. His next move is uncertain – he might wait, or take another fight against a different contender.
Jon Jones Hints at Return, Potentially Setting Up Tom Aspinall Clash
A date for Tom Aspinall`s first undisputed heavyweight title defense in the UFC is not yet set. Potential opponents like Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov have been discussed.
Just weeks after his retirement announcement, Jones revealed he has re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, leading to speculation about a comeback. His coach recently confirmed this, indicating Jones is planning a potential return to the Octagon.
While the UFC heavyweight division is moving forward, Aspinall is considering other potential opponents. However, an Aspinall vs. Jones fight might become a reality sooner than expected.
Percy Harlow