Jake Paul was quick to praise Paul Hughes on social media on Saturday night while also having a dig at Conor McGregor.

The Derry fighter was left heartbroken as he lost out to Usman Nurmagomedov in a thriller in the main event at the PFL Champions Series event.

Nurmagomedov retained his Bellator World lightweight title with a majority decision win over Hughes at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night.

It was a pulsating showdown that ebbed and flowed throughout, and despite suffering his second loss as a professional it is a performance that will lift Hughes to new heights in MMA.

Hughes earned praise worldwide for his fantastic showing against the cousin of legendary fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, in Dubai.

Paul was quick to highlight McGregor's loss Khabib Nurmagomedov as he praised Hughes for his showing against 'The Eagle's' cousin.

"Paul Hughes did what Conor McGregor couldn’t do. Congrats my guy. You won regardless of the outcome. Big ups to both men," the social media star posted on his official 'X' account.

McGregor also hailed Hughes' performance believing he won the fight: "Tremendous fight and performance! Easy win for Hughes, he DOMINATED THAT FIGHT. And Umar exactly what it says on the tin, a Nurmagamedov. Runner, sprinter, bolter, scarper, scurrying “fighter”," he posted on X.

McGregor was not the only high profile MMA fighter to shower Hughes with praise for his epic performance. "Paul Hughes is legit!!" posted UFC legend Dustin Poirier on X.

READ MORE: 'Heartbroken' Paul Hughes makes Belfast call after Usman Nurmagomedov thriller

READ MORE: Usman Nurmagomedov pays Paul Hughes ultimate compliment after 'toughest fight'

Dillon Danis posted: "Paul Hughes was robbed! Nurmagomedov was gassed and scurrying for his life. Hughes deserved that win!"

Hughes was crestfallen as he came to terms with the loss, and admitted he "probably left something in the tank" against the unbeaten Nurmagomedov, who stretched his record to 19-0. The 27-year-old told DAZN: "It played how I expected. I am so gutted, so disappointed. I really thought I won that one.

"I should have pushed harder. I know we will fight again. I have so much respect for Usman. I thought I won tonight. But look, I probably left something in the tank. I need to give everything next time and I will.

"I knew I was on this level. I thought I was good enough to beat Usman. I really thought I was going to win tonight. I am f***ing heartbroken to be honest."

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