MMA: Hughes set to headline PFL Belfast this year

Paul Hughes will fulfill a dream as he headlines the SSE Arena in May for the first time.

The Lavey man will top the bill for PFL Europe Belfast on May 10th, following his title defeat to Usman Nurmagomedov in January. It's the first of four events at different cities across the continent aiming to become PFL Europe champion.

While Hughes will top the bill, he isn't competing in the PFL Europe tournament, with his opponents expected to be announced later this week.

Hughes, with 13 wins and two defeats in his pro career, will realise a lifelong ambition to headline at the SSE Arena.

At 27 years of age, Hughes accomplished everything possible on the regional stage before entering free agency, where he was pursued by every major mixed martial arts promotion on the planet before choosing to join PFL.

A former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion before moving up to Lightweight, Hughes has shown his world class level by defeating former Featherweight Champion AJ McKee in October 2024, and narrowly losing a majority decision to current Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov in a critically acclaimed ‘fight of the year’ contender.

“All my career I’ve said I will main event The SSE Arena, and we’ve made my dream into a reality. Belfast, I’m coming to put on a show for my people, and I will show you how much your support means to me. It’s time to get to work.” said Hughes.

Belfast will be the home of PFL Europe’s first tournament fights of 2025, which will see the continent’s top athletes enter a bracket who will have one shot to win three bouts across the year to earn the coveted PFL Europe Championship and a cash prize of $100,000.

“Belfast, the PFL is coming to The SSE Arena with some Big News. For our first PFL Europe event of 2025, we knew we had to reward the Fighting Irish fandom with a Paul Hughes homecoming.” added PFL Chief Executive Officer Pete Murray.

“The vocal support for Paul meant this was an easy decision, and I can’t wait to feel the atmosphere of The SSE Arena during the main event. But we plan to stack the card with our PFL Europe Tournament fighters, and a host of athletes who are prepared to lay it all on the line and put on a show. Belfast, get your tickets, we have a feeling this event will go down in history.”