Irish mixed martial arts star Paul Hughes has signed with the Professional Fighters League.
The former Cage Warriors featherweight champion announced the news via social media over the weekend.
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Paul Hughes signs with PFL MMAC Credit: DOLLY CLEW – CAGEWARRIORS 
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Conor McGregor’s next opponent, Mike Chandler, spoke highly of Hughes after training with him on Killcliffe MMACredit: instagram – @paulhughesmma
11-1-0 Hughes is coming off a win against Fabiano Silva in a 160-pound catchweight bout just two weeks ago.
The Lavie native tested free agency after the match as his contract with Graham Boylan’s promotion expired, but he signed within two weeks of announcing his deal with the Saudi-backed organization.
However, the FAI article revealed that he turned down an offer from the UFC before signing a contract with PFL MMA.
Hughes, 26, burst onto the Irish MMA scene in 2017 after making a strong professional debut at BAMMA 28 and has been making waves ever since.
The Irishman claims he was not happy with Dana Whitelan’s promotion offer before saying the PFL knew his value.
“It’s clearly not a meaningful offer,” he said.
“They came with an offer, but I know my value in this game.
“And the PFL recognizes my value in this game and is willing to invest in me. That’s why people think it’s a difficult decision, but it’s the easiest decision I’ve ever made in my life. It was a great decision.”
“Once you weigh the contracts, participating in the PFL tournament is a very easy decision.”
Under the terms of his PFL contract, Hughes will fight three times in 2024 and qualify for both the 2025 and 2026 PFL lightweight tournaments.
The winner of the tournament will receive $1 million.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Derry star added: “It’s a testament to these guys that they were able to test free agency and then quickly get a promotion like the PFL.
“They obviously believe in me, they believe in my skills, and at the end of the day I’m the best in the world, so it makes sense that they would come and get me.
“We’re delighted to have reached an agreement with them less than two weeks after the game, so we’re incredibly excited right now.”
“In my opinion, the PFL Million Dollar Tournament is without a doubt one of the toughest competitions in all of sports.
“Four matches will take place over the course of 10 months, with the ultimate goal of winning a $1 million prize and a world title.
“That’s an easy sell. I believe I’m the best in the world, I believe I have every skill, and I believe I’ll be a millionaire by the end of next year.”
