PFL Belfast headliner implodes, new main event booked for April 16
“Big News” has bad news For PFL fans.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 03: Paul Hughes of Ireland looks on during the PFL Lightweight World Title Fight during the PFL Championship Series :Road to Dubaion October 03, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) | Getty Images Professional Fighters League (PFL) returns to Belfast on April 16 — but it no longer features local hero and No. 4-ranked lightweight contender Paul Hughes .
That’s because “Big News” suffered a big knee injury and was pulled from his Jay Jay Wilson fight at SSE Arena in Ireland. Hughes will undergo surgery at some point next week. “I’m out of PFL Belfast,” Hughes said on Instagram .
“I’m sorry to all of my supporters. I am absolutely crushed. The card will go ahead featuring the best talent the island has to offer, including my teammates Caolan Loughran, Rhys McKenna, and the future of Irish MMA, Eoghan Masoliver.
I will be back as soon as humanly possible. The obstacle is the way. ” The new main event will feature Wilson against rising Irish star Darragh Kelly.