PFL Belfast Delivers Drama as Paul Hughes and Bruno Miranda Battle for Supremacy

Paul Hughes and Bruno Miranda staged an electrifying main event as PFL Europe held its first-ever 2025 card in Belfast and provided world-class mixed martial arts for a fervent Northern Irish crowd. The lightweight showcase bout was the main attraction of the Saturday’s high-spirited event at the SSE Arena, where fans were treated to an important moment in the history of European MMA as the Professional Fighters League continued to broaden its wings across the continent with this marquee fight between two of the most talented fighters in the sport.
Northern Ireland's hometown hero faces Brazilian veteranPaul Hughes from Derry, Northern Ireland, entered the contest with his technical striking arsenal and well-rounded skill set. The 28-year-old fighter was ready to justify the increasing feeling that he should have a hand raised in January’s title fight against Nurmagomedov. Paul Hughes’ rise up Cage Warriors’ ladder culminating in his victory over AJ McKee Jr. under the Bellator banner made him one of Ireland’s top MMA talents.

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The life-changing encounter had major ramifications for Paul Hughes, who walked into the cage determined to get back from his controversial majority decision loss to Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov earlier this year. The chance for Bruno Miranda to battle a rising star on hostile soil was a career-defining moment for him after his great win over former Bellator champion Patricky Pitbull in 2024.

Bruno “Robusto” Miranda went into the bout with the advantage of experience, having 22 professional MMA fights in addition to a lot of kickboxing and Muay Thai competition. The Brazilian fighter admitted a curious link to his opponent, as he had trained on the same mats with Paul Hughes in 2016 at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Thailand, when the Irishman was an amateur.
Tournament action showcases Europe's rising lightweight talentApart from the main attraction, PFL Europe: Belfast showcased four important lightweight tournament fights that inaugurated the 2025 season. Connor Hughes had to face Sebastien Di Franco, Mark Ewen had to fight Alex Chizov, Claudio Pacella had to meet Gavin Hughes, and Decky McAleenan had to clash with Gino Van Steenis, as these competitors started their journey to the championship glory and the significant financial rewards that come with PFL success.

Lewis McGrillen against Alan Philpott in a bantamweight tournament was the co-main event of the event, with Lewis McGrillen aiming to improve on his 2024 campaign that saw him record two knockouts. Those fans wanting to watch the full card can stream the event on the DAZN streaming platform in the UK and Ireland.

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This electrifying night of fights saw Belfast solidify its status as a hotbed for combat sports talent and a place where passionate fans were not only there for the spectacle but also to support the future of mixed martial arts superstars as PFL Europe works to find and nurture the next generation of mixed martial arts superstars.