Conor McGregor laps up Derry fighter's Belfast pledge after Bellator win

Paul Hughes has promised to give Irish MMA fans more thrilling nights in the future - especially if they're held in Belfast. The Derry fighter kicked off his new Professional Fighters League contract with a stunning win at Bellator Dublin on Saturday night.

Hughes - who signed a multi-fight deal with the PFL earlier this year - stopped veteran Bobby King in the second round of their lightweight contest at 3Arena, which was watched by UFC superstar Conor McGregor at cageside.

Lavey native Hughes praised McGregor in his victory speech, saying 'The Notorious' paved the way for other Irish fighters to follow.

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Now 27-year-old Hughes is making his own mark in the fight game, and has promised much more after passing the test of American King.

Hughes told DAZN: "It means a lot to me to make my Bellator debut on home soil. I really appreciate everyone coming out and spending their hard-earned money.

"This is the start of a new chapter for me and I am bringing you all along to the top of this mixed martial arts game, and I am doing this for the whole island of Ireland. I am doing it for us."

Hughes prevailed after coming through some early pressure from experience King. The fight turned when Hughes wrestled his opponent to the ground and then landed some punishing elbows which opened a cut on King's face.

More relentless pressure eventually saw the referee stepping in to end the contest at the end of the second round.

Hughes added: "I was over throwing my shots too much in the first round. I was trying to get him out of there. I am coming off a few knockout wins and I got a little bit trigger happy and thought 'I am going to knock this guy out'.

"I got complacent and I got dropped, and I got hurt by a couple of good shots in the first. So that's why I wasn't happy.

"In the second I waited for the shots. Bobby is a tough guy and proved he was worthy to be in there with me. But as I said, if I get him out of there I will be happy, and I am a f***ing happy boy right now."

Spotting McGregor at cageside, Hughes said: "I probably wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for Conor. He was the first fighter to show us this is possible, and that breaks down a lot of mental barriers.

"People talk s***, but this man changed the game and changed every young fighter's life, so shout-out to Conor McGregor. He is the man, and will always be the greatest to ever do it."

A grateful McGregor smiled and gave Hughes the thumbs up, and moments later the UFC star was cheering again as Hughes got the crowd going.

The Derry fighter said: "Dublin, if you think this good, PFL Bellator, if you think this was good here, wait and see when we bring it to Belfast, you will see a whole new level then.

"Who wants to see Bellator/PFL back in Belfast? Let's go!"

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