Former Cage Warriors champion Paul Hughes signs for PFL

It’s official. Former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Paul Hughes is now a PFL fighter.

The Irish star, who captured 145-pound gold in Cage Warriors, is now campaigning at lightweight, and he has signed for the PFL as a lightweight, and will bid to become the promotion’s 155-pound champion when he enters the 2025 season. Until then, he will compete across the PFL and Bellator brands in non-season bouts through 2024.

The news was teased by PFL president Ray Sefo after PFL 3 in Chicago, with the official news dropping over the weekend, via press release.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to sign with the PFL,” said Hughes.

“The regular season format, in my eyes, is the ultimate form of MMA competition and is for the ultimate prize of one million dollars.

“I’m ready to prove that I am the best lightweight on the planet.”

PFL CEO Peter Murray hailed his new signing, saying, “Professional Fighters League is always going to be in the mix when it comes to the free agency market, and this was certainly the case with Paul Hughes, someone we have had our eye on for quite some time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Paul continue his journey with PFL in big fights that continue to test his skills.”

Hughes brings a career record of 11-1 (including eight finishes) to the PFL, with his deal running through the PFL’s 2025 and 2026 global seasons. The Australian-born fighter’s only career loss came via split decision to Jordan Vucenic, but he avenged that defeat two years later when he defeated Vucenic to unify the Cage Warriors featherweight title.

The 27-year-old received offers from the PFL and the UFC, but told Sky Sports’ MMA Club that “The PFL made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

It remains to be seen how the PFL will book Hughes through 2024, but once the 2025 season rolls around, “Big News” will be looking to win his way to the PFL lightweight title, and a cheque for $1 million.