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While many high-profile fighters have voiced frustration with the PFL, lightweight contender Paul Hughes is taking a different stance. Instead of joining the chorus of criticism, Hughes has defended the promotion, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on his career.
Hughes took to social media on Friday to respond to former Strikeforce champion and "Weighing In" podcast co-host Josh Thomson, who recently called out the PFL, saying they needed to "get their sh*t together." Hughes, however, strongly disagrees.
“The PFL has provided me the platform to completely change my life and my career in 9 months,” Hughes stated. “The staff have been amazing to deal with the entire time. I find it disappointing that it has become a trend to hate on them.”
Hughes, who has fought three times in the PFL—including a lightweight title fight loss to Usman Nurmagomedov—believes the organization is fighting to improve the sport.
"They are the UNDERDOGS, fighting to make a CHANGE in an industry where the athletes are under-served and underpaid," he added. "MOST of us fighters end up leaving the game with no money (and a lot of brain damage). This will only change if organizations like PFL continue to succeed.”
Despite Hughes' positive experience, several ex-Bellator champions have voiced their frustration with the PFL since the promotion acquired Bellator in late 2023. Fighters like Patricio Freire, Aaron Pico, Patchy Mix, Corey Anderson, and Gegard Mousasi have all publicly expressed dissatisfaction, citing lack of activity, communication issues, or contractual disputes.
While Hughes acknowledges the PFL’s growing pains, his perspective highlights a different reality—one where the promotion is striving to create opportunities rather than restrict them. As the debate around the PFL continues, Hughes remains one of its staunchest supporters.