Hughes 'never been so confident' for title tilt

Paul Hughes feels he has the ability to stop Usman Nurmagomedov

Usman Nurmagomedov v Paul Hughes 2

Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Date: Friday, 3 October

Coverage: Follow live text commentary of Nurmagomedov v Hughes 2 from 20:00 BST on Friday, 3 October on BBC Sport website and app

Paul Hughes says he has "never been so confident" as he prepares to rematch PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai on Friday.

Their first meeting in January went the way of Nurmagomedov by way of majority decision as he retained the then Bellator title.

Hughes returned with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda at Belfast's SSE Arena in May, a victory which opened the door for a second crack at the title.

The Lavey native cut a relaxed figure as he faced his final series of questions in the build-up to Friday's rematch and, having shared five rounds with Nurmagomedov earlier this year, is certain he will complete the job this time.

"I believe I finish him," Hughes said.

"I believe I drag him into deep water once again and this time I drown him. I have the ability to knock anyone out at any time. I also know I have the ability with this training camp to win every round, so whatever way it goes, it goes.

"I've had a 10-month training camp and a rematch. I've done five rounds (with Nurmagomedov), had plenty of reads, have had a rematch before in my career for a world title (against Jordan Vucenic for the Cage Warriors featherweight title in 2022). The second fight, I beat the guy 50-43 on some scorecards, so I've never been more confident."

Although feeling positive, Hughes is also respectful of the challenge ahead, insisting the defending champion "doesn't have any holes" in his arsenal.

However, he suspects that although Nurmagomedov will change his approach and employ more wrestling early in the contest, there is still a sense he is being overlooked.

"We're competing at the highest level and I would rate him in the top five fighters in the world, so there are no holes," he stressed.

"It's up to me to implement my gameplan better than his on Friday.

"I still think there is something there he is underestimating me. I still think he has that little bit of immaturity, arrogance, that might get him in trouble."