Paul Hughes spoke about why he chose to sign with the PFL instead of the UFC.
One of Northern Ireland’s most touted free agents, Hughes is a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion who recently relinquished his belt and moved up to lightweight. Hughes is 2-0 at 155 pounds with back-to-back first-round finishes, most recently scoring at Cage Warriors 170 earlier this month.
Hughes (11-1) said he had an offer from the UFC, but not enough to move him away from PFL numbers.
“(It) obviously wasn’t a meaningful offer,” Hughes told Sky Sports at the UFC. “They came to me with an offer and I know my value in this game and the PFL knows my value in this game and they are willing to invest in me. That’s why (I went to PFL).” Honestly, people think it’s going to be a difficult decision. It was the easiest decision of my life. Once you weigh the contracts, participating in a PFL tournament is a very easy decision. ”
Hughes tested free agency for just two weeks before being snapped up by the PFL.
“It’s really a testament to these guys that they can try free agency and then be promoted as quickly as the PFL,” Hughes said. “They obviously believe in me. They believe in my skills and think I’m the best in the world at the end of the day. That’s why I’m so glad they picked me up this early. It was the very right thing to do and I’m very happy that we reached an agreement with them less than two weeks after we fought. I’m incredibly excited right now.”
Hughes is particularly excited about the regular season and is confident he can win the championship as the top lightweight. He is scheduled to participate in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
“In my opinion, the PFL Million Dollar Tournament is hands down one of the toughest competitions in all of sports,” Hughes said. “Four fights in about 10 months, fighting for $1 million in prize money and the ultimate glory of a world title. That’s an easy sell, dude. I think I’m the best in the world. I believe I have all the skills. I truly believe I will be a millionaire by the end of next year.
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