Paul Hughes Withdraws from PFL Belfast Due to Injury: Darragh Kelly Steps Up

Paul Hughes Withdraws from PFL Belfast Main Event Due to Injury

PFL has suffered a setback for its April 16 card in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Local fighter Paul Hughes is forced to withdraw from the lightweight main event due to a knee injury sustained during training. Hughes, who has competed for the 155-pound championship in both the PFL and Bellator, announced his withdrawal from the fight against Jay Jay Wilson through his Instagram account.

Paul Hughes’ Statement

I have consulted with my team along with the best professionals, and unfortunately this injury cannot be overcome. I will undergo surgery very soon to solve this problem. This is the game of mixed martial arts: it has very high moments and very low moments, and this is one of the lowest moments. I am absolutely devastated.

Paul Hughes

Hughes has a 4-0 record in his hometown, with all victories by first-round finish.

I think everyone knows how much this means to me, to bring the PFL back to Belfast, not only to showcase my skills, but also to highlight the talent we have on this island to the world.

Paul Hughes

According to John Martin, CEO of the PFL, some of that Irish talent will still get their chance. The new main event will pit Wilson against another Irishman, the undefeated Darragh Kelly. Kelly, from the SBG team in Dublin, was going to fight Sergio Cossio in the co-main event, but now Cossio will face Pedro Carvalho. In addition, Martin announced the addition of Rhys McKee, a recent signing and former UFC fighter, to the card. The PFL will announce his opponent next week.

We wish Paul a speedy recovery and hope he returns to the octagon with us relatively soon.

John Martin