Paul Hughes insists he 'doesn't care' what former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has to say about Irish fighters.

Nurmagomedov played down the standard of MMA here, insisting it "not even half of Dagestan level."

The comments have only ramped up the hype and potential hostilities between Hughes and upcoming opponent Usman Nurmagomedov, who is Khabib's cousin.

READ NEXT: "A friend to many" - Michael Newberry family see touching show of support

READ NEXT: Scale of Limavady's Irish Cup win over Larne's history makers not lost on Owens

In a video posted online by the Professional Fighters League, Khabib said: "Ireland don't have fighters, let's be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland, Paul Hughes, Conor [McGregor] and who else?

"Ireland level of MMA is not even half of Dagestan level."

In response, Hughes laughed off the comments and insisted it only added fuel to his fire as he attempts to become Bellator Lightweight World champion in Dubai on January 25.

He told Belfast Live: "I don't really care about his opinion. I respect him as a fighter, but it doesn't bother me personally. It 100 per cent adds fuel to the fire.

"I know Khabib will be in Usman's corner on the night, and I know when I knock him out I won't even have to say anything.

"These guys obviously have big following in Russia and it's goopd for the marketing of the fight, but it isn't something I pay much attention to."

READ MORE: Irish MMA star on importance of 'representing both communities' on world stage

READ MORE: Paul Hughes on 'holy s***' moment and training with Shane Todd and Foy Vance

Meanwhile, Hughes' pal and pro boxer Michael Conlan was a special visitor to the Fight Academy Ireland Gym last week.

Speaking on Khabib's comments, Conlan said: "You can look at it in different ways. If you talk about combat sports, what have they done in boxing? But they are unbelievable at wrestling.

"But we don't have national wrestling here, in terms of champions and all that. In terms of combat sports, though, I think we have done quite well for a nation our size."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox