Paul Hughes has claimed that Usman Nurmagomedov is already looking past him ahead of their Bellator lightweight title fight.
Nurmagomedov will defend his belt this Saturday live on DAZN in a number of regions, in a contest which is generating plenty of excitement.
After beating AJ McKee last year, Nurmagomedov was the only name on Hughes' mind, and now the Irish star has got his wish.
The pair have been engaged in a number of fight week media events in Dubai, and tensions are rising after the pair exchanged words during their first face-off.
Speaking to PFL, Hughes claimed that Nurmagomedov has already made a huge mistake in his conduct ahead of fight night when reflecting on the face-off.
"I think this is his problem and what’s going to lead to his demise. I said, “You’re looking past me”, and he said, “Who are you?”," Hughes said.
"I said “Exactly”, that is going to be his demise on Saturday night.
"He’s 100% looking past me as an opponent."
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