PFL star Paul Hughes has adopted a tactic similar to Tom Aspinall`s to subtly message his former opponent, Usman Nurmagomedov.
Paul Hughes and Usman Nurmagomedov treated fight fans to an instant classic matchup at PFL Champions Series 1 in January, widely regarded as one of the year`s best bouts. Months after their fight, tension persists between Hughes and Nurmagomedov, fueled by increasing demands for a rematch between the two lightweights.
Hughes hasn`t competed since his swift 42-second knockout of Bruno Miranda at PFL Europe 1 in May. Although not fighting at PFL Europe 2 on Saturday, Hughes was cageside in Brussels, taking the chance to support his fellow fighters.
However, even while off duty at PFL Europe 2, he made time to subtly provoke his main rival during the telecast.
Paul Hughes Taunts Usman Nurmagomedov as Rematch Speculation Grows
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall previously mocked Jon Jones at UFC London this year by displaying a plastic duck on screen, a clear dig at his long-standing adversary. But Aspinall`s efforts to provoke Jones didn`t immediately lead to a heavyweight clash, as Jones announced retirement from MMA last month.
During the PFL Europe 2 broadcast, Hughes replicated Aspinall`s viral moment, taunting Nurmagomedov with his own toy duck.
As of now, Nurmagomedov has not publicly responded to Hughes` actions. Nurmagomedov had previously urged Hughes to win at least one more fight before pushing for a rematch.
PFL recently hinted at Nurmagomedov`s next opponent, stating he would face the winner of the Archie Colgan vs. Mansour Barnaoui bout at PFL World Tournament 6. Colgan secured the victory via unanimous decision.
Hughes expressed dissatisfaction with PFL`s decision to position Colgan as Nurmagomedov`s next opponent. It remains unclear whether Hughes will wait while Nurmagomedov fights Colgan or take another fight against a rising contender.
Jon Jones Teases Return, Potentially Setting Up Tom Aspinall Showdown
A timeline for Tom Aspinall`s first undisputed UFC heavyweight title defense has not yet been set. Several potential opponents, such as Ciryl Gane and Alexander Volkov, have been mentioned for Aspinall`s next bout.
Just weeks after announcing his retirement, Jones revealed he had re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, sparking rumors of a potential return. Jones`s coach recently confirmed his re-entry into the pool as he plans a possible return to competition.
As the UFC heavyweight division began to move forward without Jones, Aspinall had been looking at other potential challenges. However, the highly anticipated Aspinall vs. Jones matchup might become reality sooner than expected.
