Paul Hughes says he is "buzzing" after making the switch from Cage Warriors to the Professional Fighters League. The Derry MMA star has signed a lucrative contract with the PFL and is set to fight on their showcase Bellator card in Dublin next month.

Many fight fans had predicted a move into the UFC for Hughes, after he became the 'hottest free agent' in MMA after signing off with Cage Warriors last month with a first-round win over Fabiano Silva.

Now he's ready to detonate on the PFL, which will include entry into a massive $1 million tournament next year.

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He told Belfast Live: "There was an offer from the UFC, but the PFL offer was just way better and one I couldn't turn down. And honestly, as the time has gone on I couldn't be any more buzzing with the decision I made.

"They made me a nice offer. I have the potential to make money in this game now. But the main driver for signing with the PFL is next year's $1m tournament. That's what I will enter next year and I full believe I am going to win that.

"I believe I am one of the best fighters in the world, and to have four fights in the space of eight to 10 months, and at the end of it the chance to win $1m. That's the ultimate prize and it excites me to the core.

"That's life changing. You have to capitalise in this game. A lot of fighters don't do that."

Hughes will make his PFL debut on June 22 at Dublin's 3Arena. He will make his promotional bow against Hawaii’s Bobby King (12-6) in a Lightweight bout.

"It is great going back to Dublin next month. The PFL is in the United States, so to get to fight at home again is incredible. Next year everything will be Stateside," Hughes said.

"So the chance to sign for the PFL and fight at home again is exciting. The plan is to continue fighting people and stopping them. I hope to get three more fights this year, and then four next year.

"I want to be active and the PFL will keep me active."

Reflecting on his Cage Warriors journey, where he became world champion, Hughes said: "My reflection on Cage Warriors is incredibly positive. I had so many big nights with them. To win a World title I will take to the grave, and the moments in time and experiences I had was awesome. As was the incredible support I had.

"It has been a hell of a journey. There was way more waiting around that I would have liked. The last couple of years have been frustrating on that front.

"But it really is God's plan. I have just turned 27. I thought by this age I would be UFC world champion. All the belts across all the promotions. I believed I would be the greatest at this stage.

"I have had to wait for the opportunities to arise. I got through it and here we are.

"I have delivered. I do that every time. Name a fight of mine which wasn't exciting. It doesn't exist. All my fights are fantastic, if I don't say so myself. But I work hard to deliver, and that's why I get the support I do around the country, and within MMA in general. "

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