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DUBAI: Over the past couple of years, Irish mixed martial arts star Paul “Big News” Hughes has been on a generational run.

The Belfast native established himself as a rising star in Cage Warriors, before making his jump to the big leagues, defeating Bobby King in Bellator in 2024.

He then registered an impressive win over former Bellator champion AJ McKee under the PFL banner a few months later, earning a long-awaited title shot against Usman Nurmagomedov.

When the two finally clashed, the result was a five-round Fight of The Year candidate that not only cemented Nurmagomedov as a bona fide star, but also showed that Hughes was a legitimate top contender.

While it was Nurmagomedov who had his hand raised at the end of the 25-minute war, it still raised Hughes’ stock, short of saying that it made him a star.

Now, after a 42-second win over Bruno Miranda at PFL Europe in his hometown of Belfast in May, Hughes finds himself back in the world title mix, again against Nurmagomedov at the “PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai – The Rematch” on Oct. 3 in Dubai.

With a second chance at gold, Hughes is now promising a different result.

“The last fight with Usman taught me lessons that I’ll carry forever. I’ve taken every mistake, every detail, and turned it into motivation,” Hughes said during a recent PFL Media Day in Dubai.

“This time the result will be different.”

A win will definitely vault Hughes into superstar status. He has the skill and charisma reminiscent of another certain brash but talented Irishman who became world champion, Conor McGregor.

At the very least, Hughes is confident in his preparations. “I’m ready. I’ve put in the hours, I’ve put in the rounds, and I believe I’m going to shock people on Oct. 3. This time, I win.”

But while glory comes with the gold, Hughes sees this title shot as an opportunity to show that he belongs in the big leagues.

“For me, stepping into this cage is about proving that someone from a small town in Ireland can belong on the world stage. I don’t see myself as anything more than a regular guy chasing a dream.”

Hughes welcomes the spotlight. “I’ve called this fight the biggest opportunity of my career, maybe even my life. I know what’s at stake, and I’ve accepted the weight of it. Pressure doesn’t scare me, it sharpens me.”

“I’ve been through moments before where pressure was heavy, and I learned how to flip it into fuel. That’s exactly what I’m doing now,” Hughes added.

RIYADH: ��������’s Paralympian Abdulrahman Al-Qurashi, a gold medalist last year in Paris, has become a symbol of the Kingdom’s growing global stature in sports and culture.

While recently training in Poland for the World Para Athletics Championship in New Delhi, Al-Qurashi received an invitation to walk the red carpet at the Venice International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural events.

“Representing the Kingdom at a global festival like Venice is a responsibility and a great honor. Our nation deserves to be represented in all arenas, whether sports or culture. My presence in Venice was a message in this regard,” Al-Qurashi said.

His presence in Venice was more than ceremonial. It came amidst intense international preparation, demonstrating that Saudi athletes can serve as ambassadors across multiple domains.

The combination of training in Poland and walking the red carpet in Venice, shows just how far Al-Qurashi has come in recent years.

Before Venice, the 27-year-old had already cemented his legacy in sports history. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, he became the first Saudi athlete to claim a gold medal in the 100-meter wheelchair race, clocking a personal best of 14.48 seconds.

“The victory was not just a personal moment, but the result of institutional support from the Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports, along with a fully Saudi team standing behind me,” he said.

The Paris gold was more than just a one-off athletic achievement for Al-Qurashi.

It represented a shift in ��������’s approach to Paralympic sports, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of fostering talent, empowering individuals with disabilities, and positioning the Kingdom’s team as a competitive force internationally.

For young Saudis with disabilities, Al-Qurashi’s accomplishment is a beacon of inspiration.

“Nothing is impossible today. Set a goal and a clear plan, and you will find everyone supporting you until you reach it,” he said, addressing aspiring athletes.

His path to the podium required extraordinary discipline. Al-Qurashi follows a structured daily routine: early nights, morning and evening training sessions, and a carefully monitored diet.

A �������� support team, including coaches, nutritionists, medical staff, and administrators, ensures that every element of preparation is optimized for performance.

Al-Qurashi’s commitment to excellence extends beyond personal achievement.

While preparing for the New Delhi 2025 World Para Athletics Championship in Poland, he also embraced opportunities to represent �������� in international cultural forums, blending athletic prowess with diplomatic and cultural engagement.

Looking ahead, Al-Qurashi is focused on the World Championships in Rio de Janeiro in October, regional competitions, and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where he aims to replicate his Paris success.

“What we achieved in Paris is part of a longer journey. The future will be even greater, God willing, and Saudi sports will continue to be present at the highest levels,” he said.

Al-Qurashi’s story is emblematic of a broader transformation in Saudi sports. The Kingdom is moving from symbolic participation to producing athletes who can excel on the world stage, enhancing national pride while demonstrating ��������’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence.

His dual achievements — athletic success and cultural representation — challenge traditional narratives about the role of athletes.

By participating in Venice while maintaining rigorous training abroad, he illustrates that athletes can embody both excellence in competition and ambassadorship in global cultural forums.

Leadership and institutional support have played a pivotal role in his success.

Al-Qurashi credits the Saudi Paralympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports, and his coaching team for creating an environment where excellence is possible.

Their guidance, coupled with his dedication, allowed him to balance international competition, cultural representation, and personal preparation seamlessly.

From the gold medal podium in Paris to the glittering red carpet of Venice, Al-Qurashi’s journey reflects the intersection of ambition, discipline, and national pride.

He stands as a symbol of what determination and institutional support can achieve, inspiring a new generation of athletes and redefining the global perception of sports in ��������.