PFL Paris Exclusive: Connor Hughes vows to become champion on eve of PFL Europe tournament opener
- Seb Sternik
- 6 March 2024
British MMA star Connor Hughes believes he will end 2024 with the PFL Europe championship and the $100k prize.
The Liverpool-native took part in the inaugural PFL Europe tournament last year but suffered an early exit at the hands of Dylan Tyke in Berlin.
Hughes was able to shake off the defeat and return to winning ways against Sebas Santana Guedes in Dublin last December.
The 26-year-old is now preparing for his first fight in the second PFL Europe season which takes place this Thursday against Anatolij Baal in Paris.
“Camp went really well,” Hughes told Planet Sport when asked about his upcoming bout.
“Been working hard two/three times a day, putting the gameplan together and making sure we’re ready to go. I can’t complain at all.”
‘I’m training like a world champion’
Hughes boasts an 8-1 professional MMA record, with seven of those victories coming by stoppage.
The lightweight contender has been a pro in the sport for less than three years.
However, he does have a rich combat sport background, being a former world kickboxing champion.
When asked about chasing PFL Europe glory, Hughes said: “I already feel like it’s mine to be honest.
“I just feel like I’m waiting for time to catch up. I feel like a world champion, I’m training like a world champion and my mentality is world champion.
“I’m already seeing it like I’m the uncrowned king in this. I’m here to create a legacy. I’m here to go down as one of the best to do it. It starts this year.
“I’m going to take out whoever is stood in front of me, one by one. Then I’m going to come home with the belt and the $100k.
“It’s only up for me. We didn’t have a great start last year. We ended the year well. This year, I’m just going to take it over and I’m going to have my name up in lights. Everyone is going to know who I am and know that I am the real deal.
“Last year was an experience and I just can’t wait to perform. I can’t wait to have that belt around me.
“I’ve got a picture in Dublin with the belt. I’ve got it as my screensaver. I see it every day. I’m looking at that every day and I believe in it. I fully believe in my skills. I believe in my team and I believe in myself. Only me can stop me. No doubt about it.
“At the end of this year, 2024, I will be PFL Europe champion. We’ll see what big fights we’ve got coming up after that.”
Fans can watch Thursday’s PFL Paris event live on DAZN.
