Former Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes has signed a contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after entering free agency, choosing PFL over other major organizations including UFC due to its better offer and plans for his future.
Paul Hughes, the MMA sensation, barely had a breather after his free agency. He was quickly snapped up by a new fighting home.
Once a Cage Warriors champ, he won his latest fight on April 6. He then entered free agency and, in a flash, signed a contract with PFL. The whole process was a whirlwind, but Hughes was grateful.
He was thankful for the interest from various promotions. His new manager, Tim Simpson, who also manages fighters like Israel Adesanya and Leon Edwards, sealed the deal fast.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Hughes confessed to MMA Fighting. “Probably the busiest few weeks of my life.”
Even before his free agency, things were hectic. He had four opponent changes just a week before his fight in Cage Warriors.
“Look, Tim is the man,” Hughes stated. He had full faith in Simpson.
Hughes received multiple offers. The two most intriguing ones were from UFC and PFL. Many assumed he’d jump at the chance to join UFC, the biggest MMA promotion globally. But that’s not how it went down.
Hughes chose PFL. He insists it wasn’t a tough decision.
“They had the best offer,” Hughes said of PFL. He had offers from every major organization, including UFC. But PFL’s offer was the best.
Hughes had received an offer from PFL six months ago. So he had plenty of time to mull over this potential avenue.
“It wasn’t just purely a financial thing,” Hughes clarified. He wanted to be active. He’s in his prime. Any promotion wanting to sign him needed a good plan.
Hughes admits his future plans didn’t align with UFC’s. He hopes to compete multiple times before 2024 ends.
There’s also a financial factor. UFC rarely invests heavily in any prospect, including Hughes.
“I wasn’t surprised by the UFC offer,” Hughes admitted. He’s done his homework. He studies the game and the industry. The UFC model isn’t as enticing to young prospects like him.
Hughes already has his first fight booked under PFL. He’s set to compete at the upcoming Bellator Dublin card in June. He’ll serve as the co-main event and fight in front of a home audience.
Hughes plans to stay busy for the rest of the year. He’ll then enter the 2025 PFL lightweight season, eyeing the $1 million grand prize.
“PFL came in with the best offer,” Hughes reiterated. They promised to keep him active. He’s got a fight sorted already.
But the main driving factor is the million-dollar tournament. “To be a 27-year-old kid with a million dollars in the bank sounds pretty good to me,” Hughes said.
With all the attention on his free agency and PFL signing, Hughes knows there are high expectations. But he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Nobody puts more pressure on me than I do myself,” Hughes said. “Now it’s time to deliver on the things I’ve been saying.”
He’s won world titles and cleared out the best guys in Cage Warriors. Now, it’s time to prove he’s the best in the world.
“I left the cage after my last fight saying, ‘I’m the best in the world,'” Hughes recalled. He saw the comments questioning his claim. But he’s confident. “Damn, f*cking right I do!” he exclaimed.