Paul Hughes reveals brutal injury that forced him to withdraw from PFL Belfast headliner
One of the PFL’s biggest fights of the year is off, after Paul Hughes revealed a serious injury that forced him out of PFL Belfast.
PFL lightweight star Paul Hughes was looking forward to returning to the Smartcage against dangerous striker Jay-Jay Wilson in the PFL Belfast main event on April 16th. After dropping his rematch with Usman Nurmagomedov in October by unanimous decision, Hughes is in a peculiar spot in the PFL lightweight division’s title picture.
Hughes remains one of the PFL’s biggest names after recent wins over AJ McKee, Bruno Miranda, and Bobby King. The Irish phenom re-signed with the PFL despite rumored interest from the UFC to sign the talented Hughes.
Hughes’ upcoming fight with Wilson was a huge chance to make a name for himself in the division despite two losses to Nurmagomedov. But Hughes likely won’t return to the cage for a while after suffering a brutal injury ahead of PFL Belfast.
Paul Hughes potentially sidelined for the rest of 2026 after serious knee surgery
In a recent Instagram video post, Hughes shared the unfortunate news that his PFL comeback fight was cancelled after suffering a serious knee injury.
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“I’m out of PFL Belfast. Did everything I possibly could. Surgery next week to fix the issue. I’m sorry to all my supporters. I am absolutely crushed,” Hughes said.
“The card will go ahead featuring the best talent the island has to offer. Including my teammates and the future of Irish MMA.
“I will be back as soon as humanly possible. The obstacle is the way.”
As of this writing, it’s uncertain if Wilson will get a replacement opponent, or if the promotion will move in a different direction for the PFL Belfast main event. As for a timetable for Hughes’ return, he could potentially be sidelined for the rest of the year, depending on the severity of his undisclosed injury.
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This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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