Colgan Prepares for Title Shot
Archie Colgan was eager to return to action upon learning that his next match would be a No. 1 contender’s bout, giving the winner a chance to challenge lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
Hughes Voices Discontent
This news didn’t sit well with Paul Hughes, who has been seeking a rematch with Nurmagomedov since narrowly losing to him in January. Upon the announcement of Colgan’s fight with Mansour Barnaoui, Hughes took to social media, expressing his frustration: “hey, quit with the rage bait.”
Hey quit with the rage bait
— Paul Hughes MMA (@paulhughesmma) June 9, 2025
Colgan Ready for His Opportunity
Colgan believes that his fight was correctly labeled as a No. 1 contender’s match, asserting he earned the opportunity with a decisive victory over Barnaoui. “I had known that leading into it,” Colgan stated. He stated his clear expectation of fighting Nurmagomedov next, reinforcing that calling the match a No. 1 contender’s fight was completely logical.
Respect for Hughes
While Colgan acknowledges Hughes’ frustrations, he emphasizes that he has rightfully earned his shot with an impressive 12-0 record. He respects Hughes as a fighter but feels he has now earned his own chance, stating, “I don’t plan on coming up short.”
Different Matchup Dynamics
Colgan pointed out that while Hughes demonstrated exceptional takedown defense, he presents a different set of challenges for Nurmagomedov. With a strong wrestling background, Colgan believes that he can score takedowns and will create new dynamics in the matchup.
Looking Ahead
Currently, Colgan is awaiting scheduling confirmation from PFL but anticipates fighting Nurmagomedov around October or November. Should he win, Colgan is open to facing any challengers, stating that Hughes and others may receive their opportunities later. “There will be a list,” he said, hinting at the competitive landscape ahead.
