Paul Hughes opponent named as journey to Usman Nurmagomedov rematch begins

Hughes will headline PFL Belfast on 10 May, taking on Bruno Miranda

Paul Hughes’s opponent at PFL Belfast has been named, as the Northern Irishman takes on Bruno Miranda in a bid to set up a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov.

In January, Hughes suffered a controversial majority-decision loss to Nurmagomedov, who retained the PFL lightweight title and remained unbeaten.

Hughes, 27, was quick to call for a rematch with the Russian, 26, but “Big News” must wait. First, he headlines a home show in Belfast, meeting Bruno Miranda at the SSE Arena on 10 May.

Earlier in March, Hughes wrote on Instagram: “Apparently Usman needs a wee break. So who the f*** wants it?”

Miranda, 34, has a professional record of 17-5. In his last bout, the Brazilian won a split decision over Patricky Pitbull to bounce back from two straight losses.

Meanwhile, Hughes is 13-2 as a pro, and his narrow loss to Nurmagomedov ended a seven-fight win streak. Although Hughes fights out of Northern Ireland, he also carries Ireland’s tricolour flag.