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Irish MMA star on importance of 'representing both communities' on world stage
Paul Hughes is fast becoming a big name in the world of MMA, and he's keen to put his home on the global sporting map. The man known as 'Big News' is enjoying the year of his life, having signed a lucrative contract with the Professional Fighters League back in April.
He enjoyed a stellar Bellator debut win over Bobby King in Dublin, before earning the biggest victory of his career in Saudi Arabia when he outclassed experienced campaigner AJ McKee.
Next up it's a huge Bellator World lightweight title showdown with Usman Nurmagomedov in Dubai on January 25.
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Hughes has become a shining light for combat sports on the island of Ireland. Hailing from Lavey in Co Derry, he trains out of the Fight Academy Ireland gym in West Belfast.
His appeal stretches across both sides of the divide here, with his devastating fight style and measured talk behind the mic endearing him to fans north, south, east and west.
Hughes has often spoken about 'representing everyone' on the island, and he says bringing both sides of the community together on his incredible journey is something he's proud of.
"100 per cent. We come from the same island," he told Belfast Live.
"We are all the same at the end of the day and we are way more same than we are different, especially in the north. I was born in 1997, so I was born at the end of the Troubles.
"Yes, of course for older generations there is a lot of pain and trauma there, but for us younger ones growing up it's not like that. We're all the same."
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"I represent everyone from this island. Everyone is the same in my eyes."
Combat sports, whether it's MMA or boxing, kickboxing and everything in between, has often been a uniting factor here.
Tribalism is often left at the door when fight fans go to watch two fighters put everything on the line.
Hughes said: "I'm not sure why combat sports brings everyone together. probably the obvious answer is everyone enjoys watching combat sports.
"There is no opportunity for tribalism, really. It is just one person and not one team that represents a certain country or area.
"My support comes from all sides of the community and that's important."
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