A Derry fighter is being backed to make it to the UFC after becoming the Cage Warriors featherweight champion on Friday night.
Paul Hughes, 25, impressively defeated Jordan Vucenic to avenge his sole career loss, winning via unanimous decision to become the first Irish Cage Warriors champion at 145lbs since Conor McGregor.
Speaking after the victory, Hughes said: "Cage Warriors? Completed it. I've taken out all of the best guys in Europe, I'm selling out venues in other countries on Friday nights.
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"That's what I'm doing here. I beat the best, I've just unified the title and avenged my only loss, In my eyes I'm 10-0 right now, and I am the biggest prospect, unsigned to the UFC, in the world.
"We have got a country behind us, like you have heard of Conor McGregor, well, Paul Hughes is next, and I truly am bringing a country behind me.
"I'm bringing Northern Ireland, I'm bringing Ireland, I'm bringing Derry, I'm bringing Belfast, we have got a new horse in the race, and his name is Paul Hughes, and he's a superstar.
"I'm here to stay, and I'm here to take over the UFC, and with my country behind me, I couldn't be more proud."
Boxer Michael Conlan was among those in attendance at Hughes' fight and described his performance as a "masterclass" afterwards.
He tweeted: "What a performance by @paulhughesmma tonight! Delighted to be there to witness a masterclass performance by this man! @ufc bound no doubt. Hard work and perseverance paid off, congratulations mate.. And the new."
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