Paul Hughes thinks the judges screwed him at PFL Dubai.
On Saturday, Hughes challenged Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator light-weight title in the principle occasion, dropping a majority determination after a hard-fought 5 rounds. A large underdog heading into the bout, Hughes gave Nurmagomedov all the pieces he may deal with for 25 minutes, and even had the advantage of a Nurmagomedov level deduction following repeated low blows, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to sway the judges, two of whom scored the bout 48-46 for Nurmagomedov.
Within the fast aftermath of the bout, Hughes was complimentary of Nurmagomedov, besides, he nonetheless believes he needs to be strolling away the champion, posting his response to the loss in a video on social media.
“Clearly, as all the time, I’m going to have to observe it again to get evaluation and a clear-minded evaluation, however as we all know, all of us thought I gained that one,” Hughes stated. “I feel the judges’ scorecards have been fairly ridiculous, however as I say, I’ll watch it again with a transparent thoughts. I’m simply judging from the vitality of the sector and everybody surrounding the cage. I believed it was mine.
“I’m not going to make excuses although. I ought to’ve pushed more durable. I ought to’ve pushed more durable and I’ll the following time. I do know we’ll battle once more.
“It felt just like the stoppage within the fourth spherical with the pinnacle conflict modified the momentum of the battle. I really feel like I used to be breaking him. I used to be ripping him so exhausting to the physique and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was developing and I’d have emptied the tank, however that modified the type of stream and he acquired good restoration. Which, look, the headbutt was a headbutt. It was unintended. He has all the precise to take that restoration.
“I’m clearly upset. I’m gutted, I actually am. I’m happy with myself, however I do must get that again. I must get that again. I should have that belt, quickly.”
The loss drops Hughes to 13-2 in his skilled profession, whereas Nurmagomedov strikes to 19-0 (1 NC).
