Paul Hughes v Usman Nurmagomedov: Life-changing win, quick KO & controversial loss – Hughes’ biggest bouts

That win over Charriere set up an intriguing rematch for Hughes against Jordan Vecenic for the undisputed featherweight title in November 2022.

That belt was previously won by Conor McGregor before the Dubliner shot to sporting stardom as a two-weight UFC champion, so the importance of a win in propelling his career further what was not lost on Hughes.

Motivation for victory was only enhanced by the need for revenge as the Derry native had suffered his sole career defeat at that stage of his career against Vucenic in 2020.

Hughes lost out on a controversial split decision to his English opponent and their rematch was delayed by injuries sustained by both fighters.

When it was announced, the fight, which would take place over five rounds this time, was billed as the biggest in Cage Warriors history, given it would pit the champion against the interim champion.

With the pressure on, Lavey man Hughes delivered a superb display to take home a deserved unanimous decision win.

A head kick in the second round stumbled Vucenic and allowed Hughes to get the dominant position and control the majority of the round on his opponent’s back.

At the end of the third round, Hughes almost stopped Vucenic after dropping his opponent following a body shot and a knee to the head.

Hughes then picked up where he left off in the fourth, dropping Vucenic with a combination of punches and in the fifth he saw out the contest on top.

It was a real statement win, that again had people taking note, but bigger things were still to come for Hughes.