PFL returns to Belfast with Paul Hughes in the main event
MMA Fighting
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) announced its return to Belfast with a significant lightweight matchup featuring Paul Hughes and Jay Jay Wilson as the main event on April 16 at SSE Arena. The card will be broadcast on ESPN2 and the ESPN app, marking a key moment for PFL in Ireland. Hughes, a rising star, aims to boost his promotional record above .500 after a series of high-profile fights, including a close loss to Usman Nurmagomedov in January and a quick victory over Bruno Miranda. Wilson, on the other hand, seeks to rebound from a loss to Archie Colgan after a three-fight win streak.
Hughes has been a standout performer for PFL, competing three times in 2025. His fight against Nurmagomedov in Dubai was a contender for Fight of the Year, though he narrowly lost a close decision. He later secured a quick finish over Miranda but fell short again in a rematch with Nurmagomedov at PFL Dubai. Hughes’ resilience and ability to bounce back make this bout crucial for his career trajectory.
Wilson, known for his consistency under the PFL-Bellator umbrella, has won against notable opponents like Mads Burnell, Mansour Barnaoui, and Vladimir Tokov. His recent loss to Colgan snapped a winning streak, and he now looks to regain momentum in a fight that could define his 2025 season. This clash between Hughes and Wilson promises to be an intense lightweight showdown.
The event’s return to Belfast highlights the growing global presence of PFL and its
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/23/2026