'Heartbroken' Paul Hughes makes Belfast call after Usman ...

A "heartbroken" Paul Hughes has called for a rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov to happen in Belfast after the Derry man lost out in a thriller in Dubai.

Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator World lightweight title with a majority decision win over Hughes at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night.

One judge scored it a 47-47 draw, with two others giving the fight to Nurmagomedov (48-46x2), despite the Dagestan fighter having a point deducted in the third round.

It was a pulsating showdown that ebbed and flowed throughout, and despite suffering his second loss as a professional it is a performance that will lift Hughes to new heights in MMA.

The Lavey 27-year-old was crestfallen as he came to terms with the loss, and admitted he "probably left something in the tank" against the unbeaten Nurmagomedov, who stretched his record to 19-0.

Hughes told DAZN: "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."

He added: "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."

A rematch should be on the cards following this cracker in Dubai, and Hughes insists it has to happen in Belfast.

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.

"We need a homecoming for me. I think I have earned this. And one thing I would say, all the guys from Dagestan will be welcomed with open arms in Ireland. We have great respect for a small fighting nation like you guys.

"The lines get blurred and maybe it got personal between me and Usman, but we settled our differences in here tonight. And I know for a fact we will do it again some day, and I know I will be the victor next time.

"So please, bring it back to Belfast, PFL. Come on!"

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