‘Paul Hughes had his opportunity’: Archie Colgan fully confident he’s fighting Usman Nurmagomedov next

Archie Colgan was anxious to get again to work when he acquired phrase that he was not solely reserving his subsequent battle however he was competing in a No. 1 contender’s match with the winner incomes a shot at light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

That was music to his ears however not a lot for Paul Hughes, who has been gunning for a rematch in opposition to Nurmagomedov ever since he misplaced a razor-close majority choice to him again in January. When the PFL initially introduced Colgan’s battle with Mansour Barnaoui with these stakes, Hughes responded on social media saying “hey, stop with the fad bait.”

Whereas Hughes could very effectively find yourself getting one other title shot sooner or later, Colgan says his battle was at all times offered as a No. 1 contender’s match and now he’s earned that chance after a dominant win over Barnaoui.

“I had identified that main into it,” Colgan instructed MMA Combating. “[My manager] Ali [Abdelaziz] had instructed me that my subsequent battle was going to be a No. 1 contender battle.

“I do [expect to fight Usman next]. If I didn’t it might have made no sense [labeling] it as a No. 1 contender’s battle. They need to have simply referred to as it a showcase battle then. It could have made no sense for them to go the additional mile and say ‘the No. 1 contender’s battle’ and the winner can be preventing Usman Nurmagomedov. They’ll’t get anymore lower and dry than that. In order of proper now, I’m anticipating to be the following man who fights Usman.”

Colgan understands why Hughes could be upset with the best way issues performed out, particularly after he scored a blistering fast end in his most up-to-date battle to place him again on observe following the loss to Nurmagomedov earlier within the 12 months.

That stated, Colgan believes he’s earned this chance whereas amassing a formidable 12-0 file alongside the best way as he made a gradual climb up the light-weight ranks.

“No shade in opposition to Paul Hughes,” Colgan stated. “I feel he’s an amazing fighter. I feel Paul Hughes had his alternative and he placed on an amazing battle. An excellent battle and he got here up a bit of bit brief. That was his alternative on the time. I feel that I’m due that subsequent alternative. I don’t plan on arising brief.”

As shut as Hughes got here to successful, he in the end misplaced a detailed choice on the scorecards.

Throughout that battle, Hughes confirmed unbelievable takedown protection and grappling capacity to thwart a few of Nurmagomedov’s greatest weapons, particularly when it got here to his wrestling. Colgan respects that Hughes was capable of give Nurmagomedov some complications in that a part of the sport however he guarantees it’s a very completely different matchup with him concerned.

Earlier than he was a prime light-weight prospect, Colgan was a standout wrestler on the College of Wyoming so he is aware of he presents issues for Nurmagomedov that Hughes simply couldn’t produce.

“That’s the argument. That’s my argument at the least,” Colgan defined. “Not solely when [Usman] goes to take me down, will probably be laborious for him and he’ll know going into it that this man has a great wrestling base so the grappling exchanges are going to be more durable. But in addition what occurs when he will get taken down? He’s by no means actually had to have a look at fights from that perspective.

“What occurs when this man takes me down? What occurs when I’ve to construct again up and get up and battle fingers to face again up? That’s not only a chance but it surely’s going to occur. I’ll get takedowns. I’ll rating takedowns. I agree that he’ll most likely take me down, he’s a really excessive degree fighter. I’m conscious of that. I get taken down and I’m ready for that. No shade in opposition to Paul however I pose an offensive menace [with my wrestling], not only a defensive menace of stopping your takedowns however I’ll take you down.”

As of now, Colgan says PFL hasn’t made an overtures so far as scheduling goes however he’s anticipating the battle in opposition to Nurmagomedov to occur someday round October or November.

Assuming the battle goes his method, Colgan welcomes any challenges the PFL throws his method after which perhaps Hughes can get one other alternative to battle for the time however for now he must get in line.

“In fact [I would fight Paul Hughes],” Colgan stated. “At that time, the photographs are referred to as then. You’re champ, you personal the belt, you turn out to be the hunted. Whoever they see match to be the individual. Identical to I’m lined up right here. There can be a listing.

“I’m certain Usman would desire a rematch. I’m certain Paul Hughes would need his crack. Then there’s clearly the match, most likely for my part is Gadzhi [Rabadanov] would most likely be the match winner. There’s going to be a listing of fellows.”