Paul Hughes welcomes the thought of fellow Irishman Ian Machado Garry being in his nook for his struggle with Bellator light-weight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.
At Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day in Las Vegas, Machado Garry was requested if he could be excited about being a part of Hughes’ (13-1) nook for the Jan. 25 headliner towards Nurmagomedov (18-0) at Bellator Champions Collection: Street to Dubai.
Machado Garry immediately agreed to the thought and stated it could be a type of reciprocation for one thing Hughes did for him in June 2021.
“After I fought for my Cage Warriors world title, Paul was there in my nook after I had nobody,” Machado Garry stated. “If he needs me in his nook, I’ll discover a technique to be there and provides the assist he wants.”
Hughes recollects the state of affairs Machado Garry was speaking about, when he defeated Jack Grant to win the Cage Warriors welterweight title. It was Machado Garry’s closing struggle earlier than becoming a member of the UFC, and Hughes aided him in a time of want.
The circumstances are totally different for Hughes going into his upcoming title struggle, however he could be blissful to have Machado Garry by his aspect.
“Ian had some issues, let’s say, along with his health club on the time right here over in Eire,” Hughes informed MMA Junkie on Thursday. “It was his world title struggle and that week, no matter had occurred with them, he wanted someone to nook. And to be truthful to Ian, he would’ve gone on the market by himself. However legally I don’t assume he was not allowed to have a cornerman. So he wanted somebody in there. I used to be in London on the time and he requested me and naturally I’m going to assist the man out. Completely, and he would do the identical for me if I used to be in that state of affairs.
“It’s fond reminiscences for certain with Ian. And yeah, completely. If he’s in Dubai, we’ll throw him in there one hundred pc. That may be enjoyable.”
With Conor McGregor having set the bar for Irish MMA fighters, Hughes and Machado Garry are the most effective of the following technology. The importance of their subsequent fights show as a lot, and Hughes stated he intends to do his half to proceed the momentum.
“It’s humorous the way it’s all taking place,” Hughes stated. “Ian’s preventing right here on Saturday clearly towards Shavkat (Rakhmonov), and Shavkat’s been right here coaching within the health club at Kill Cliff, the place I’m presently at. Simply the entire thing is humorous. It’s truly fairly good to see how far we’ve each come. And coincidentally, we’re each preventing guys who’re 18-0. So hopefully it’s 18-1, occasions two.”
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