A war of words has begun ahead of one of the biggest fights of 2025 as Paul Hughes fires back at Khabib Nurmagomedov following the former UFC champion’s comments. As Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0, 1 NC) prepares to put his Bellator lightweight title on the line against Ireland’s Paul Hughes (13-1) on January 25th, his cousin Khabib Nurmagomedov has brutally slammed the standard of Irish MMA.
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib retired unbeaten at 29-0 over four years ago and now spends most of his time coaching a litany of high-profile fighters. He will be in Usman Nurmagomedov’s corner at Bellator’s Road to Dubai: Champions Series event later this month as his young cousin squares off against rising star Hughes in a fight that evokes memories of Khabib’s greatest rivalry.