Paul Hughes Responds to Khabib’s Invitation to Train in Dagestan

Paul Hughes Earned Respect of Champ and His Camp in Close War

Paul Hughes (13-2) surprised skeptics with an incredible performance challenging for the Bellator Lightweight title on Saturday, January 25th. He lost a razor-thin decision to champion Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0), which earned the respect of the champ and his whole camp. This includes Usman’s cousin and coach Khabib Nurmagomedov, who expressed gratitude for the Irishman following the bout.

Khabib’s Invitation to Hughes

Thank you for the fight @paulhughesmma 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 ✋
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) January 26, 2025

Khabib took to X following the fight, thanking the challenger for the fight and inviting him to bring his family to visit Dagestan and train with him.
“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.”
The show of class indicates how much the whole Nurmagomedov camp respected Hughes’ efforts in the close loss.
Usman Nurmagomedov also had high praise for the challenger after the fight, saying “You are the man. You’re tough. I underestimated this guy!”

Response to the Invitation

Thankyou @TeamKhabib 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. https://t.co/kvKpB1IQP0
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) January 26, 2025

Paul Hughes responded to the invitation from Khabib Nurmagomedov via X, reciprocating the respect shown him by the Dagestan camp.
“Thankyou @TeamKhabib 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.”

The Rematch the Fans Deserve

Many fans and commentators around the sport echoed Paul Hughes’ desire to rematch Usman Nurmagomedov. Ariel Helwani and many others want the pair to run it back. The close war between them has even been hailed as an early Fight of the Year candidate. However, Usman Nurmagomedov seemed to throw some water on the flames of that desire, saying, “No, he needs to win 2 or 4 fights in Bellator [first].” Hopefully, the organization doesn’t make us wait too long for a reprisal of this excellent scrap, Usman’s toughest test to date.

Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images