‘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 combat 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 towards Nurmagomedov ever since he misplaced a razor-close majority determination to him again in January. When the PFL initially introduced Colgan’s combat with Mansour Barnaoui with these stakes, Hughes responded on social media saying “hey, give up with the trend bait.”

Whereas Hughes could very effectively find yourself getting one other title shot sooner or later, Colgan says his combat 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 recognized that main into it,” Colgan advised MMA Preventing. “[My manager] Ali [Abdelaziz] had advised me that my subsequent combat was going to be a No. 1 contender combat.

“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 combat. They need to have simply known as it a showcase combat then. It could have made no sense for them to go the additional mile and say ‘the No. 1 contender’s combat’ and the winner will likely be combating Usman Nurmagomedov. They’ll’t get anymore reduce and dry than that. In order of proper now, I’m anticipating to be the subsequent 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 combat to place him again on monitor following the loss to Nurmagomedov earlier within the yr.

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

“No shade towards Paul Hughes,” Colgan mentioned. “I feel he’s an awesome fighter. I feel Paul Hughes had his alternative and he placed on an awesome combat. An excellent combat and he got here up somewhat 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 an in depth determination on the scorecards.

Throughout that combat, Hughes confirmed unimaginable takedown protection and grappling potential to thwart a few of Nurmagomedov’s finest 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 totally different matchup with him concerned.

Earlier than he was a high 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 a minimum of,” Colgan defined. “Not solely when [Usman] goes to take me down, it will likely be laborious for him and he’ll know going into it that this man has a superb wrestling base so the grappling exchanges are going to be tougher. But additionally what occurs when he will get taken down? He’s by no means actually had to take 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 arise and combat fingers to face again up? That’s not only a chance nevertheless it’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 stage fighter. I’m conscious of that. I get taken down and I’m ready for that. No shade towards 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 combat towards Nurmagomedov to occur someday round October or November.

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

“In fact [I would fight Paul Hughes],” Colgan mentioned. “At that time, the pictures are known as then. You’re champ, you personal the belt, you grow to be the hunted. Whoever they see match to be the individual. Similar to I’m lined up right here. There will likely 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 event, most likely for my part is Gadzhi [Rabadanov] would most likely be the event winner. There’s going to be a listing of men.”