Paul Hughes took four days to digest his PFL Champions Series loss before speaking in-depth.

Wednesday, Hughes (14-3) released a lengthy statement on his Facebook page in which he didn’t question the highly-debated scoring of his unanimous decision loss to Usman Nurmagomedov (20-0).

“It was a close fight, but I did not do enough,” Hughes wrote. “I did not fight in the way needed too to win (convincingly). To beat one of the best fighters in the world in home territory you must operate at 110% percent. I didn’t do that and it is my responsibility.”

Hughes has now lost two of his most recent three outings after a 13-0 start to his professional career, which included a highly-spotlighted free agency in 2024. Both of his career losses have come against Nurmagomedov.

Despite the recent bumps in the road, Hughes voiced optimism for the future – after some time away from competition, in order to heal. Hughes vowed to one day become champion.

“We’ve got many good nights ahead of us,” Hughes wrote. “Still 28 years old with the world at my feet. This chapter is over now, but the next one is going to be even more special. Trust me on that. Any adversity in my life has only propelled me to new heights. What I have achieved in the last 18 months since my last fight on Cage Warriors has been nothing short of special. 6 fights in 18 months has been a blessing, but it has also taken its toll. Right now I need to take some forced time to let my body heal. When I come back healthy, it is my MISSION, to make sure that no lightweight on the planet comes CLOSE to beating me ever again. I will be the UNDISPUTED number one 155er in the world within the next 2 years. Mark this. A new mission begins.”

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Paul Hughes breaks silence on debated PFL decision loss

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