IRELAND’s Paul Hughes has called for a rematch against Usman Nurmagomedov.
The talented Derry native was on the wrong end of a decision against the Bellator MMA 155lbs champion in Dubai on Saturday night.
‘Big News’ is 13-2 in his MMA career as the scorecard went in favour of the unbeaten Dagestani champion.
But Hughes was incredible over the five rounds as he tested the resolve of the champion, who noticeably slowed over the 25 minutes.
Many fans and media had the fight scored in favour of the Lavey man but the judges called it for the Dagestani fighter.
One judge scored the bout 47-47, and the other two gave it 48-46 to Nurmagomedov.
The fight was the last ever Bellator MMA title match, and now the promotion will surely have to rematch the pair for the inaugural 155 PFL MMA strap after a Fight of the Year contender in the UAE.
And Hughes was adamant he should have been awarded the decision after the thrilling contest.
Speaking with Dan Hardy on DAZN after the fight at the Coca-Cola Arena, the 26 year-old called for a rematch in Belfast.
A heartbroken but determined Hughes said: “It played how I expected. I am so gutted, so disappointed. I really thought I won that one.
“I should have pushed harder. I know we will fight again. I have so much respect for Usman. I thought I won tonight.
“But look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time and I will.
“I knew I was on this level. I thought I was good enough to beat Usman. I really thought I was going to win tonight. I am f***ing heartbroken to be honest.
He said: “Look at this packed arena tonight. As I have said before, the PFL (Professional Fighters League) believed in me and I believe in them.
“I can’t wait to see what lies in the future. We have to do the rematch in Belfast. It has to be in Belfast. We have to bring it back to Ireland.”
Hughes went on to add in an Instagram statement that he won the fight before questioning the judges’ scorecards.
He added: “Obviously, as always, I’m going to have to watch it back to get a good assessment and a clear-minded assessment, but as we know, we all thought I won that one/
“I think the judges’ scorecards were pretty ridiculous, but as I say, I’ll watch it back with a clear mind.
“I’m just judging from the energy of the arena and everyone surrounding the cage. I thought it was mine.
“I’m not going to make excuses though. I should’ve pushed harder. I should’ve pushed harder and I will the next time. I know we’ll fight again.”
A FEMALE cop has been seriously injured after being “rammed by a car driven at speed towards her”.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the events which took place last night at a retail park on Wilmslow Road.
Chief Inspector John Picton of the Stockport district said: “This incident is truly shocking, and shows how quickly situations our frontline officers attend can escalate. There is absolutely no explanation as to why this incident needed to end the way it did.
“Our officers go to work every day to provide an outstanding service to the communities they serve, and achieve fantastic results in situations that are often challenging.
“Assaults on our officers are completely unacceptable and won’t be tolerated. In this case, the officer suffered serious injuries.
“Our investigation is continuing, and the officer is being supported by all of us at the Stockport district. She is recovering well.”
THE prestigious World Indoor Bowls Championships has concluded at Potters Resorts.
Jason Banks was victorious in the Open Singles on the final day of the tournament.
The Scotsman beat Robert Paxton 2-0 in the grand final to add to his Open Pairs and Mixed Pairs titles from this year’s Potters Resorts event.
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DAVIS LOVE III has been forced to undergo major open-heart surgery.
The former PGA Championship winner is now recovering at home after having the operation in Florida.
The American golf star has achieved 21 wins on the PGA Tour and was once the world No.2.
Love III, 60, has insisted that he is now healthier after the surgery, as he told Jim Nantz.
Nantz said on CBS: ‘I just want to pass along our warmest wishes from the entire golf world… we’re standing behind you, Davis Love III.
“Folks, he was just released this morning from Mayo in Jacksonville after open-heart surgery this week to replace, in his words, a leaky valve that was detected about 10 years ago.
“It had been scheduled, this operation, for some time. He said, ‘I went in healthy and I came out healthier.’
“I spoke to him just before we came on the air today.”
Love III was prominent during the 1990s and early 2000s with his PGA Championship victory coming in 1997 at Winged Foot.
The Ryder Cup was also a huge part of his career as he captained the USA team in 2012 and 2016.
He was inducted into the golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
Nantz continued to speak about Love III and insisted he is doing “just fine”.
He added: “The first thing he did as he made his way home with Robin, is that he stopped and had his first round of therapy with the father-in-law of Andrew Novak, Randy Myers. His daughter Maddie is married to Andrew Novak.
“Davis, we’re all thinking of you. Past champion here, great man.
“In Davis’ words, he’s going to be driving in March, and putting in April. He’s just fine, sounds a lot worse – in his words – than it really was.
“But any time you’re talking about open-heart surgery, just thankful to hear he’s doing just fine.
“One of the most beloved guys in the game of golf.”
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