Liverpool’s Connor Hughes moved to 7-0 over the weekend as he defeated Everton Cruz via unanimous decision in Preston.
The fight was Hughes’ final regional bout before he sets his sights on the PFL card in Berlin on July 8th.
Hughes was recently announced as a member of the PFL Europe Roster, where he will look to claim a $100,000 prize and earn a place on the global roster.
In an interview with MerseySportLive, the kickboxer expressed his excitement at the opportunity given to him.
“A platform like PFL is something I’ve been working my entire life for.
“Really excited to get going and looking forward to putting on some spectacular performances.”
Hughes ready to showcase talent on global stage
PFL is rapidly growing in terms of marketability, which is something not lost on Hughes.
“PFL is growing faster than any other organisation that we’ve seen.
“Within the next couple of years, you’re gonna see PFL as the top organisation.”
Paddy Pimblett is currently the face of MMA in Liverpool.
His persona and fighting style has caused a stir since signing with the UFC.
While Hughes respects what Pimblett has done for local MMA, he has also refused to rule out a future fight between the two.
“What he’s doing is good for the city, it opens doors for other Merseyside and Liverpool fighters.
“We’re in the same division, I’m in PFL, he’s in the UFC.
“But one day, it may happen.”
Hughes trains out of the MMA Academy in Liverpool.
Having started out in karate and kickboxing, he didn’t really focus his attention on MMA until he was 18.
Training can often be seen as a chore for some fighters but Hughes doesn’t share that belief.
“I love training, it’s not only what I do but it’s sort of like therapy.
“I go in that gym and forget about all of the problems and issues outside.”
After being successful in his final fight with UKFC, the lightweight will be doing all he can to make sure he is ready for his first fight under the PFL Europe banner.
He expects the competition to be a step-up but is confident that he will walk away with the cash prize and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best fighters in the world.
(Featured image: Permission from Catchweight Sports & Entertainment)
