Paul Hughes releases statement after Usman Nurmagomedov loss: ‘The judges’ scorecards were pretty ridiculous’
Paul Hughes thinks the judges screwed him at PFL Dubai.
On Saturday, Hughes challenged Usman Nurmagomedov for the Bellator lightweight title in the main event, losing a majority decision after a hard-fought five rounds. A sizable underdog heading into the bout, Hughes gave Nurmagomedov everything he could handle for 25 minutes, and even had the benefit of a Nurmagomedov point deduction following repeated low blows, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges, two of whom scored the bout 48-46 for Nurmagomedov.
In the immediate aftermath of the bout, Hughes was complimentary of Nurmagomedov, but even so, he still believes he should be walking away the champion, posting his reaction to the loss in a video on social media.
“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,” Hughes said. “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.
“It felt like the stoppage in the fourth round with the head clash changed the momentum of the fight. I feel like I was breaking him. I was ripping him so hard to the body and I felt him wheezing. I knew my momentum was coming up and I would have emptied the tank, but that changed the kind of flow and he got good recovery. Which, look, the headbutt was a headbutt. It was accidental. He has all the right to take that recovery.
“I’m obviously disappointed. I’m gutted, I really am. I’m proud of myself, but I do need to get that back. I need to get that back. I deserve to have that belt, soon.”
The loss drops Hughes to 13-2 in his professional career, while Nurmagomedov moves to 19-0 (1 NC).