Archie Colgan was eager for his next fight, especially upon learning it would be a No. 1 contender`s bout, with the winner guaranteed a title shot against lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
This news was welcome for Colgan, but less so for Paul Hughes, who has sought a rematch with Nurmagomedov since their narrow majority decision loss in January. After the PFL announced Colgan vs. Mansour Barnaoui as a contender`s match, Hughes tweeted, “hey, quit with the rage bait.”
Colgan stated that his fight was always framed as a No. 1 contender`s match, and he feels he earned the title shot through his dominant victory over Barnaoui, regardless of whether Hughes gets a future opportunity.
Colgan confirmed this understanding, stating, “I had known that leading into it.” He added, “[My manager] Ali [Abdelaziz] had told me that my next fight was going to be a No. 1 contender fight.”
He fully expects to fight Usman next, arguing that labeling the fight a “No. 1 contender`s fight” and explicitly stating the winner would face Nurmagomedov leaves no room for ambiguity. “They can’t get anymore cut and dry than that,” he said, confirming, “So as of right now, I am expecting to be the next guy who fights Usman.”
Colgan acknowledged Hughes` potential frustration, particularly after Hughes secured a quick victory in his last outing, recovering from the earlier loss to Nurmagomedov.
Nevertheless, Colgan feels his perfect 12-0 record and consistent rise in the lightweight division justify his claim to the title shot.
“No shade against Paul Hughes,” Colgan commented, acknowledging him as a “great fighter.” He believes Hughes “had his opportunity” in their “very good fight,” but “came up a little bit short,” losing a close decision. Colgan asserts, “I think that I am due that next opportunity. I don’t plan on coming up short.”
In their previous fight, Hughes displayed strong takedown defense and grappling, effectively countering some of Nurmagomedov`s key skills, particularly wrestling. While Colgan respects Hughes` ability to challenge Nurmagomedov in this area, he insists his own wrestling background presents a significantly different threat.
As a former standout wrestler at the University of Wyoming, Colgan believes his skills pose unique challenges for Nurmagomedov that Hughes couldn`t replicate. “That is the argument. That’s my argument at least,” Colgan stated. “Not only when [Usman] goes to take me down, it will be hard for him… grappling exchanges are going to be harder.”
He also highlighted the possibility of *him* taking Nurmagomedov down, a scenario Nurmagomedov has rarely faced. “What happens when he gets taken down?… He’s never really had to look at fights from that perspective.”
Colgan confidently asserted that taking Nurmagomedov down “is not just a possibility but it’s going to happen. I will get takedowns.” While acknowledging Nurmagomedov`s skill and potential to land takedowns on him, Colgan stressed his preparation and, crucially, his offensive wrestling. “No shade against Paul but I pose an offensive threat [with my wrestling], not just a defensive threat of stopping your takedowns but I’ll take you down.”
Colgan mentioned that the PFL hasn`t yet discussed scheduling specifics for the fight, but he anticipates the bout against Nurmagomedov will likely take place around October or November.
If he wins the title, Colgan is ready for any opponent the PFL presents. He suggested Hughes might get another title shot *after* that, but for now, Hughes should “get in line.”
Colgan confirmed he would “Of course [I would fight Paul Hughes]” if he were champion. He explained that the champion becomes “the hunted,” and the promotion decides the next challenger. “Just like I’m lined up here. There will be a list,” he added.
He anticipates a line of potential challengers if he becomes champion, including Usman Nurmagomedov (for a rematch), Paul Hughes, and the likely tournament winner like Gadzhi Rabadanov. “There’s going to be a list of guys,” he concluded.
