This year’s first PFL Europe card took place in Belfast and was headlined by Irish sensation Paul Hughes and Brazil’s Bruno Miranda. The Irishman was looking to bounce back after dropping a razor thin decision to champion Usman Nurmagomedov earlier this year.
His fight against the Team Khabib fighter was one of the best fights that 2025 has had to offer, thus far. After the loss, Hughes called for a rematch in Belfast and though he was disappointed he didn’t the immediate rematch, his wish to fight in Belfast was granted. His opponent, Miranda, was a formidable finisher (11 of 17 wins coming by finish) and was coming off a win over Patricio Pitbull’s brother, Patricky.
Not unlike the times PFL booked Cedric Doumbé in France, the energy from the Irish crowd could be felt through the screen as Hughes was making his way to the cage. And the fans got what they wanted as Hughes caught a kick from Miranda and used it as an opening to land a clean left hand on Miranda’s chin. Hughes’ power was too much for the Brazilian who went down immediately as Hughes polished him off with some ground-and-pound.
Yes, he was heavily favoured to win, but slicing through a worthy veteran like Miranda in just 42 seconds is still incredibly impressive. For comparison’s sake, Miranda pushed both Brent Primus and Olivier Aubin-Mercier, two Bellator and PFL champions, to the second round. Miranda is undoubtedly a top5 name on Hughes’ resume.
After the spectacular finish, Paul Hughes, who had the crowd eating from his hand, delivered a great callout to Usman Nurmagomedov. Alluding that the Russian can delay this rematch all he wants, but his day is coming. If there was any doubt that “Big News” didn’t deserve an immediate rematch with Nurmagomedov, it would be hard to deny him after this type of performance.
Some people thought it was mistake from the PFL to not book the rematch right away, but I wonder how many still have that stance after tonight’s main event. Putting stars in front of their home crowd is never a mistake. Just look at Doumbé’s reception in France or Nurmagomedov’s in Saudi Arabia in January. Hughes getting a highlight like this, in Belfast, and grabbing the mic to call out one of PFL’s biggest stars is nothing but good business for the promotion. Being able to play the clip the KO and the callout in future trailers and promotional content in the lead up to the rematch can only increase the fan anticipation.
Official Result: Paul Hughes def. Bruno Miranda by KO, Round 1, 0:42
