Paul Hughes, also known as "Big News," is a professional mixed martial artist from Northern Ireland, born on 27 March 1997. He competes in the lightweight division and has an orthodox fighting style.
Paul Hughes was born in Northern Ireland, where he developed an early interest in sports. He stands 5'9" (1.75 m) tall and weighs 156 lbs (70 kg) with a reach of 70 inches. He fights out of Next Generation Northern Ireland and has an orthodox stance.
CAPTION: Grit, grind, and Gaelic roots — the story behind a true Irish warrior. SOURCE: Instagram Hughes is managed by Paradigm Sports Management, under which he has navigated his professional career. His career is characterized by dedication and perseverance, clearing the path for his rise in the MMA world.
Hughes was extremely successful in Cage Warriors, where he was the Featherweight Champion. He won the title with a unanimous decision against Jordan Vucenic on November 5, 2022, at Cage Warriors 145. It was a career-defining fight for him and showed off his skill and determination.
He also defeated Morgan Charrière at Cage Warriors 128 in October 2021, which further marked him as a standout prospect in the weight class. These achievements are indicative of his ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure situations.
Hughes signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) and has competed against top-level fighters such as Usman Nurmagomedov and A.J. McKee. In January 2025, he competed against Nurmagomedov in Dubai at the PFL Champions Series but lost by majority decision after five rounds.
CAPTION: From featherweight champion to lightweight contender — Hughes proves he's built for the global stage. SOURCE: Instagram Despite this loss, Hughes is still working on advancing his career and competing at the top level. His experience in the PFL has brought him great exposure and exposure to compete with top fighters, which has tested his skills and methods.
Hughes has had several high-profile bouts throughout his career. He knocked out Bobby King at Bellator Champions Series Dublin in June 2024, showcasing his knockout potential. He also knocked out Filipe Silva at Cage Warriors 170 in April 2024, demonstrating his ability to finish fights with precision.
These victories are a testament to his fierce fighting style and technical precision, which have distinguished him as Ireland's top MMA fighter. His knockout performances left people stunned and have made him a force to be reckoned with.
Hughes stands with a professional record of 13 wins and 2 losses. His most significant wins are against J. Quaeyhaegens (CW 161), B. King (Bellator), and F. Silva (CW 170). His losses are a split decision to Jordan Vucenic in 2020 and a majority decision to Usman Nurmagomedov in January 2025. Even with these losses, Hughes continues to improve and adapt to reduce future losses. His record proves his resilience and ability to adjust after each bout.
Hughes is also known for his aggressive fighting style and technical precision. He trains with Next Generation Northern Ireland, a group that has produced other fighters of the highest class. His training focuses on building his striking skills along with a strong defensive game.
CAPTION: Paul Hughes is more than a brawler — he’s a technician. Each strike, each takedown, is crafted with purpose. SOURCE: Instagram By following this approach, he has been successful in competing at various weight classes and organizations. His dedication to improvement has been the key to his success in the world of MMA.
Hughes wants to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is still committed to developing his craft in a bid to become a world championship caliber fighter. Hughes draws inspiration from fighters like Conor McGregor, having also come from Ireland. Following such inspirations, Hughes wants to emulate their success and be a household name across the MMA world. His motivation is purely down to his passion for the sport and the desire to play for Ireland internationally.
Paul Hughes stands out as among the brightest of the stars that followed Conor McGregor from Irish MMA fighters, whose career has been defined by doggedness and performances at the top level with top organizations, including Cage Warriors, Bellator, and PFL.
His success has galvanized a whole generation of Northern Irish fighters into emulating his successes, and he continues pushing the sport further and further upwards. As he matures and fights at the highest level, Hughes is destined to leave a lasting legacy in the world of mixed martial arts.
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