Hughes accepts that he is the underdog going into this fight, a role he thrives on given his own self-belief.
“People were doubting me [against McKee] and they had reason to doubt. You compare my record to his, I really shouldn’t have beaten him,” he added
“There was no reason to go take such a big step so early in my career, but there were zero doubts in my mind, and it is the same with Usman.
“I am the best in the world 155lb MMA fighter, and I’m prepared for absolutely everything.”
Usman Nurmagomedov was given a six-month suspension from MMA in 2023 after testing positive for a banned substance, but Hughes insists that it is “not something I’m thinking about”.
The Bellator lightweight champion denied taking steroids, saying at the time that it was “medication”.
Details of Nurmagomedov’s failed test were never released publicly, and he was not stripped of the organisation’s title.
“It will take more than steroids to beat me, especially over five rounds,” he said.
“That is where you get tested and that is where I will take him to the depths of hell.”
Hughes is bidding to become a two-time champion, having previously held the Cage Warriors featherweight title in 2022.
“I don’t know what will be more important, getting the belt or beating Usman. I haven’t thought that far ahead yet, I’ve been focused on the task at hand.”
He has, however, made a clear prediction for how the fight is going to pan out.
“I’m expecting me to clip him early and for him to shoot for takedowns as if his life depended on it.
“That is exactly what is going to happen and I’m going to use that to his demise. Knockout second round.”
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