At the PFL: Dagestani vs. Ireland 2.0, Usman Nurmagomedov crossed paths against Irish fighter Paul Hughes. What caught everyone’s attention was the fact that despite being on the back foot, the Irishman gave the Dagestani a run for his money. There was a moment in the fight where it seemed like every weapon Nurmagomedov attempted to throw was failing against Hughes. Well, in the end, Hughes had to taste defeat as Usman defended his title. Days after their clash, team Khabib revealed the backstage motivation they had to give to the Bellator champion before his clash.

“Come back to the distance, but kick,” said Khabib Nurmagomedov as Usman listened carefully. The former UFC lightweight champion emphasized that it would be better for Usman to use his kicks more often, “This guy doesn’t like kicks. He doesn’t like kicks, kicks, kicks. Move around, kicks, punches, takedown. If something doesn’t work, come back, and stay in the distance.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s words were like those etched in stone for Usman Nurmagomedov, as deviating from them would result in harsher training as punishment. Javier Mendez came forward to give his own word of advice to the young fighter as he stated that it would be a grave sin for Usman if he gave any opening to Paul Hughes. “Remember the key thing: do not let him get the opportunity,” said Mendez.

He further added, “Because if you are too close, an opportunity, he seizes it. Okay? He wants it… [To Khabib] No one’s better than him (Usman) with distance, on the feet. I mean, the best. You just got to take it seriously, and that’s what he has taken seriously. And yes, so I told him to do it for your brother too.”

The pep talk truly helped Usman Nurmagomedov clinch the victory, especially considering that Paul Hughes came armed with every weapon he had and nearly made the Dagestani believe he could be defeated. After the storm calmed down, Usman praised his opponent stating that he underestimated him and Khabib Nurmagomedov invited Hughes to Dagestan as well. However, what is his response to it? Let’s find out.

Paul Hughes accepts Khabib Nurmagomedov’s invitation but with a condition

After paying his compliments to the nation of Ireland for their constant support to Palestine, the former UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov took to his X handle to invite the entire family as well as a team of Paul Hughes to Dagestan for a visit to their homeland, “Thank you for the fight, Paul Hughes, and for the experience, I invite you and your whole team and family to Dagestan, any time you want, believe me you will like it, and your arrival will serve as a good example for many young generations,” wrote Nurmagomedov on his X handle.

Paul Hughes appreciated the gesture and stated that he would be visiting their homeland. However, he has one condition—he wants to clash against Usman Nurmagomedov once again, “Thank you, Khabib. I have great respect for you, your team and your nation. I would be honoured to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favour in Ireland… But please, only after I get to rematch Usman,” wrote Hughes on his X handle.

Well, it appears that the Irish fighter will have to face disappointment as the Dagetsani is not in the mood to give Paul Hughes another chance at the belt so soon. “For rematch? He has to win a couple, like maybe three, four or five in Bellator because he had only two fights and they gave him a title shot – but Paul Hughes, all my respect to this guy,” said Usman Nurmagomedov in a conversation with the media.

Paul Hughes may have lost the fight but he made sure that everyone believed in his fighting prowess. Regardless, what’s your take on the clash? State your thoughts in the comments below.