I didn't do enough against Nurmagomedov – Hughes
Paul Hughes remains convinced he will become an undisputed champion but accepts he "did not do enough" in Friday's PFL lightweight title fight against Usman Nurmagomedov.
Hughes lost out to the undefeated Russian on a unanimous decision in their rematch in Dubai.
There were some eyebrows raised by the width of some of the cards which saw Nurmagomedov given all five rounds on one and four on the other, while the third opted for a 48-47 verdict.
However, Hughes has no complaints about the overall decision and felt he underperformed on the night.
"Lay it all on the line and unfortunately it didn't go in my favour once again," he said in a social media post.
"It was a close fight, but I did not do enough. 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%.
"I didn't do that and it is my responsibility."
'There are many good nights ahead of us'
Addressing his supporters, the 28-year-old Lavey man has vowed there are "many good nights ahead of us" as he confirmed he will continue in his quest to reach the top, but will take some time out to rest after a hectic run of six fights in 18 months.
Following his January defeat to Nurmagomedov in their first fight, Hughes bounced back with a 42-second stoppage of Bruno Miranda in Belfast and he intends to use this latest disappointment to propel him "to new heights".
"This chapter is over now, but the next one is going to be even more special," he continued.
"Any adversity in my life has only propelled me to new heights.
"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 two years. Mark this."
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