Paul Hughes doubts that he and the star of the UFC Conor McGregor repair the fences

Paul Hughes does not expect to reconcile with Conor McGregor anytime soon.

Like many Irish fighters, Hughes admired the former champion of the UFC division. Until his fight against the title against the champion of Bellator Lightweight Usman Nurmagomedov at the PFL Champions series: Road to Dubai last month, Hughes obtained the support of McGregor.

Hughes lost a close decision against Nurmagomedov, which McGregor called a flight. But after Hughes paid tribute to the Nurmagomedov team saying: “I’m not like this other guy”, in reference to McGregor’s hatred towards Khabib Nurmagomedov, “The Notorious” left for him.

“Everyone saw my answer there; It was not a very militant response, ”Hughes told MMA Junkie Radio. “It was what it was. It ended up with many people who fight for me in terms of comments and hindsight. So yes, that was what it was.

Seeing your idol insulting, you are never a good feeling, but Hughes insists that McGregor is a changed man – for the worst.

“Even at the time, I didn’t take it personal,” added Hughes. “I think that unfortunately it is not the conor that we once knew, say, 2016. People said:” Is it sad to hear this of your idol or someone you admired? ” Unfortunately, it is not the person who tweeted this message. This is of course not something I want to anyone. I somehow think it’s a sad thing, but that’s exactly what it is.

With McGregor saying that Northern Ireland is not part of Ireland, Hughes cannot take a personal attack on its light background.

“Right now, I would say no,” said Hughes. “Because of not me personally – I can catch up with anyone – but more because of where I come and how deeply insulting, what he said to people. From where I come from, it is probably the worst and the most disrespectful you can tell someone, it is that they are not Irish, being from the north of Ireland that I am. In this name, it would not be repaired at the moment. »»