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Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Supportive Message To Paul Hughes After Conor McGregor’s Attack: ‘You Are A Real Irishman!’

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has unsurprisingly taken aim at longtime rival Conor McGregor and backed Paul Hughes in the Irishman’s sudden back and forth with “The Notorious.” The relationship between Hughes and McGregor has taken a firm downward turn this week after footage emerged of “Big News” discussing Ireland’s most prominent fighter while […]

The relationship between Hughes and McGregor has taken a firm downward turn this week after footage emerged of “Big News” discussing Ireland’s most prominent fighter while in conversation with Khabib.

Hughes spoke to “The Eagle” inside the cage at the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event last weekend, where the former Cage Warriors standout pushed Khabib’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, all the way in their Bellator lightweight title fight.

While much of the lead-up had been heated with a “Dagestan vs. Ireland” narrative, Usman showed respect to Hughes after taking the decision win. And the defeated challenger was keen to express to the opposition team that he’s far from the same as another Irish fighter whose controversial nature Khabib got to know very well a few years ago.

Footage of Hughes making that point to the former UFC champ quickly went viral and found its way to McGregor, who has since been slamming “Big News” in a series of tweets, one of which saw him question Hughes’ Irish heritage.

Though Hughes has been garnering support with his own firm responses to McGregor, he also received some backing from “The Eagle,” who branded his rival a “rapist and drug addict” in a post on his Instagram Stories.

“You are a real Irishman @paulhughesmma and not a rapist and drug addict like this bastard,” Nurmagomedov wrote.

McGregor was recently embroiled in a civil court case after being accused of rape by Nikita Hand. He was found civilly liable for the assault late last year and forced to pay the victim almost €250,000.

The Irishman’s troubles appear far from ending, too, after he was sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her during the Heat vs. Celtics NBA game in June 2023.

What did Khabib Nurmagomedov Tell Usman In-Between Rounds? The Champ Reveals “Show to Me Your Heart”

What did Khabib Nurmagomedov Tell Usman In-Between Rounds? The Champ Reveals "Show to Me Your Heart" What exactly did Khabib Nurmagomedov tell his cousin during Saturday’s PFL Road to Dubai headliner? Reigning Bellator lightweight titleholder…

What exactly did Khabib Nurmagomedov tell his cousin during Saturday’s PFL Road to Dubai headliner?

Reigning Bellator lightweight titleholder Usman Nurmagomedov faced his toughest test to date, going five hard rounds with Irish sensation Paul Hughes in the first PFL event of 2025. After 25 minutes of intense back-and-forth action, Nurmagomedov overcame the adversity and emerged victorious, keeping both his title and his undefeated record intact.

Following the fight, Usman offered some insight into the words that Khabib told him as the fight seemingly started to slip away.

“Yes, he said, ‘You show to me your heart. I like, I like this. This is what you need.’ And I said, ‘It’s not for what I need. I was focused on finishing.’ He said, ‘No, no, no. This is experience. This is what you need.’ I agree with that,” Usman Nurmagomedov said during a post-fight interview.

Usman Nurmagomedov ultimately left with a majority decision victory after one judge ruled the bout as a draw. The somewhat controversial decision moved the 26-year-old Dagestani star to 19-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career.

Usman Nurmagomedov says no to immediate rematch with Paul Hughes

Given the close nature of the contest, some fight fans quickly began clamoring for an immediate rematch between the two. However, the Dagestani has little interest in that, suggesting the Irishman needs to go out and get a few more wins before earning another opportunity at the gold.

“No, he have to earn with a couple two, three, four fights in [PFL],” Nurmagomedov said in a backstage interview after the event. “He had only two fights and they gave him title shot. But Paul Hughes, this is all my respect to this guy. I think if he even go to the tournament for $1 million, he 100 percent [has a] chance to take this belt. Then, we can talk rematches.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov Has ‘Got To Improve’ As A Coach After Umar’s UFC 311 Loss, Says Ex-Title Challenger

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns doesn’t think Khabib Nurmagomedov handled things perfectly in the corner of his cousin, Umar, earlier this month. The previously undefeated bantamweight challenged for Merab Dvalishvili’s title in the co-main event of UFC 311, staged inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. After a strong start, Nurmagomedov was unable to continue […]

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns doesn’t think Khabib Nurmagomedov handled things perfectly in the corner of his cousin, Umar, earlier this month.

The previously undefeated bantamweight challenged for Merab Dvalishvili’s title in the co-main event of UFC 311, staged inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

After a strong start, Nurmagomedov was unable to continue his momentum into the latter rounds, with the Georgian champion’s renowned pace and cardio once again proving to be the difference and setting up a decision victory.

During an episode of his and Renato Moicano’s Show Me The Money podcast, Burns gave his assessment of the contest and outlined where the challenger’s team might have gone wrong.

Though he noted his immense respect for Khabib, “Durinho” saw some holes in the coaching game of the former UFC lightweight champion.

“I have so much respect for the Dagestani guys and Khabib, but I just gotta say this — Khabib Nurmagomedov as a main coach, people gonna hate on this, still got to improve a lot,” Burns said. “When Umar started getting tired, he came to the corner with those question eyes, like, he didn’t know what to do. And when I looked at Khabib and his corner, they had the same eyes — like, ‘Oh my God.’

“Guys like ‘Parrumpa’ and Henry (Hooft), they calm you down and tell you exactly what to do — ‘You lost that round, now do this and this.’ They’ve been in so many corners, you can’t even count,” Burns continued. “I have a lot of respect for him (Khabib), but coaching takes time and repetition.”

Khabib seemingly won’t be sticking around as long as the trainers named by Burns, however, having outlined his plans to hang up his coaching gloves when his current crop of fighters depart the sport.

For now, though, the Dagestani remains focused on developing his team. He was most recently in Dubai for a successful PFL main event for another of his cousins, Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

Gilbert Burns Questions Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Coaching Skills After Umar’s UFC 311 Loss

Gilbert Burns has voiced sharp criticism of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching performance during Umar Nurmagomedov’s first professional loss at UFC…

Gilbert Burns has voiced sharp criticism of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching performance during Umar Nurmagomedov’s first professional loss at UFC 311. Umar was cornered by Khabib and faced Merab Dvalishvili for the UFC bantamweight throne and earned a decision loss.

Gilbert Burns on Khabib Nurmagomedov’s coaching

Speaking on his podcast, the Brazilian welterweight noted that Khabib, while a legendary fighter, still lacks experience as a head coach in high-pressure situations. “I have so much respect for the Dagestani guys and Khabib, but I just gotta say this—Khabib Nurmagomedov as a main coach, people gonna hate on this, still got to improve a lot,” Burns said.

Brazil’s Burns referred to a pivotal moment in the fight when Umar, facing bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, appeared visibly fatigued. Gilbert Burns claimed Khabib Nurmagomedov and his corner failed to provide the necessary calm and direction.

“When Umar started getting tired, he came to the corner with those ‘question eyes,’ like he didn’t know what to do,” the welterweight explained. “And when I looked at Khabib and his corner, they had the same eyes—like, ‘Oh my God.’”

The fight, held on January 18, 2025, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, saw Umar suffer his first career loss via unanimous decision. Despite a strong start, a broken hand early in the fight derailed his performance, and Dvalishvili capitalized on the opening.

Burns highlighted the difference between Khabib’s cornering and the work of veteran coaches like Henri Hooft and Cesar “Parrumpa” Carneiro, who have extensive experience guiding fighters through adversity.

“Guys like Parrumpa and Henry, they calm you down and tell you exactly what to do—‘You lost that round, now do this and this.’ They’ve been in so many corners, you can’t even count,” The Brazilian explained.

The Dagestani Khabib coached multiple fighters at UFC 311, including Islam Makhachev and Tagir Ulanbekov, acknowledged the difficulties of the night. He expressed his determination to help Umar recover from the setback, vowing to learn from the experience.

Gilbert Burns’ comments, while critical, come with respect for Khabib’s legacy. “I have a lot of respect for him, but coaching takes time and repetition,” he added.

The loss marks a turning point for Umar Nurmagomedov, who had remained undefeated in 18 professional bouts prior to the fight. With Khabib in his corner, his journey toward redemption will be closely watched.

Paul Hughes Graciously Accepts Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Invitation to Dagestan – But on One Condition

Khabib Nurmagomedov might have a new student in his gym. Following a grueling five-round championship battle with Usman Nurmagomedov…

Khabib Nurmagomedov might have a new student in his gym. Following a grueling five-round championship battle with Usman Nurmagomedov in the PFL, Paul Hughes expressed gratitude for a gesture of respect from Khabib Nurmagomedov, who invited the Irish fighter to visit Dagestan.

Paul Hughes Responds to Khabib Nurmagomedov

The legendary former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, extended the invitation on social media, stating: “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.”

Paul Hughes is known for his humility and respect for his opponents. He responded graciously, saying: “Thank you, @TeamKhabib. I have great respect for you, your team, and your nation. I would be honored to take you up on this offer someday and then return the favor in Ireland. But please, only after I get to rematch Usman.”

The exchange follows their highly anticipated championship clash on January 25, 2025, in Dubai, where Usman Nurmagomedov retained the Lightweight Title in the PFL with a majority decision victory. The fight marked the final defense of a Bellator title before the organization’s integration into the PFL.

Paul Hughes Usman Nurmagomedov — 2025 PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)

The bout was a technical and intense contest, with Paul Hughes showcasing sharp striking and solid takedown defense against the undefeated Dagestani champion. Nurmagomedov’s superior grappling and composure under pressure ultimately secured his victory, extending his record to an impressive 19-0. Judges scored the fight 48-46, 48-46, and 47-47 in favor of Nurmagomedov.

The fight featured several dramatic moments, including point deductions for accidental groin strikes and a head clash that left Hughes bloodied. Despite falling short, Hughes earned widespread praise for his performance and immediately called for a rematch in his home of Northern Ireland.

Paul Hughes Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov 2 — 2025 PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)

The mutual respect between the Nurmagomedov family and Hughes highlights the sportsmanship that remains at the heart of MMA. While Hughes’ primary focus remains on earning a rematch with Usman, the prospect of visiting Dagestan adds another layer of intrigue to this rivalry. This has been considered an extension of the Ireland vs. Dagestan epic clash that began with the unforgettable rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Paul Hughes Khabib Nurmagomedov Usman Nurmagomedov — 2025 PFL Road to Dubai Champions Series: at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, UAE, Saturday, Saturday, January, 25, 2025. (Jose Peñuela / PFL)

Khabib Nurmagomedov Invites Ireland’s Paul Hughes To Dagestan After PFL Battle With Cousin Usman

After a respectful exchange inside the cage at Saturday’s PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event, that trend has continued between the Nurmagomedov family and Paul Hughes on social media. For a second time this month, a Nurmagomedov was involved in an early Fight of the Year contender. But while Umar came on the losing […]

After a respectful exchange inside the cage at Saturday’s PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event, that trend has continued between the Nurmagomedov family and Paul Hughes on social media.

For a second time this month, a Nurmagomedov was involved in an early Fight of the Year contender. But while Umar came on the losing side of his at UFC 311 in Los Angeles, the bantamweight’s brother Usman had his hand raised in Dubai this past Saturday.

The Bellator lightweight champion kept the gold in his possession with a hard-fought decision victory over Paul Hughes at the PFL’s first event of the year.

Following a heated lead-up fueled by promotional material that dubbed the clash Dagestan vs. Ireland 2 — a reference to Khabib and Conor McGregor’s heated rivalry — the pair buried any hatchet that existed post-fight.

On Usman’s part, he admitted to underestimating “Big News,” whom some believe did enough to deserve the championship. Khabib, meanwhile, has also been giving Hughes praise.

In fact, the former UFC champion was so impressed — and keen to show that his animosity lies solely at McGregor’s feet rather than Ireland as a whole — that he’s even offered to host Hughes in his native Dagestan.

“Th ank you for the fight @paulhughesmma and for the experience,” Khabib Nurmagomedov wrote. “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 ex-Cage Warriors standout was quick to respond, outlining his respect for the lightweight legend.

But when it comes to taking “The Eagle” up on his offer, Hughes had one condition that must be fulfilled first: a rematch.

“Thankyou @TeamKhabib I have great respect for you, your team and your nation,” Hughes wrote. “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.”

It remains to be seen what the PFL will have in store for Usman Nurmagomedov and Hughes moving forward.

While many have echoed the Irishman’s calls for an immediate second dance, the champ suggested backstage at the Coca-Cola Arena that “Big News” requires three or four wins to earn another shot.