PFL lightweight Bruno Miranda thought he’d get a spot in the PFL World Tournament, but his consolation price isn’t so bad as he takes on Paul Hughes in the headliner at PFL Europe 1: 2025 on Saturday.
“I actually was waiting to see if I was in the tournament in the beginning of the year. Things changed and then I got this opportunity to fight Paul,” Miranda told Cageside Press.
“I think it was beginning of March I knew they got the offer and they were like, ‘Ok you might fight Paul.’ Which (made) me very happy with the opportunity to fight Paul now.”
Miranda (17-5) snapped a two-fight losing streak when he beat Patricky Pitbull by split decision in 2024. At that time the regular season format was still used by the promotion. They’ve changed to a tournament-only format it’s to be seen how active someone like Miranda will be.
“After I beat Paul they need to put me to fight. All the focus (is) on this right now and I’m looking forward (to) what is after that. I’m sure they’re going to have something good for me after I get all the hype that Paul has,” said Miranda.
It’s not just a fight against one of the biggest names, if not the biggest name in PFL, but in his home country of Ireland. It’ll be Miranda vs. Hughes and everybody in Ireland when he makes his way to the cage.
“I’m used to that. Most of my MMA career I’ve done international fights. Fighting in my opponent’s house like Korea, China, I mean America, Europe,” he said.
“I’m very excited because you know the Irish crowd loves a big fight like the Brazilians. I don’t see a problem for me, but they’re going to love me after the fight.”
Miranda isn’t sure how the fight will end, but he knows one thing. He’ll emerge victorious in Belfast.
“I’m going to fight to the last second to get this win. Doesn’t matter how it’s going to come,” he said.
“Striking, submission, points. I put my soul in this fight and I’ll show up with my best version.”
Watch the entire interview with Bruno Miranda above. He takes on Paul Hughes at PFL Europe 1 on May 10th.
