Paul “Big News” Hughes delivered on his promise to shock the world at PFL Europe Belfast, finishing Brazilian standout Bruno “Robusto” Miranda in just 42 seconds with a thunderous left hook. Energized by a walkout performance from Foy Vance and a roaring Irish crowd at The SSE Arena, Hughes proved once again why he’s a top-tier global prospect.

The finish ignited the Belfast crowd and capped off a dominant showcase from Hughes, who improved to 14-2 and made a clear statement in the lightweight division. Miranda, who entered with 17 wins, was simply overwhelmed by the speed and precision of the Irishman’s counter.

McGrillen Adds First Submission in Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, reigning 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion Lewis “The McGrizzla” McGrillen (12-1) expanded his arsenal by securing his first career submission win. He defeated Alan “Super Ali” Philpott via rear naked choke at 3:17 of Round 2 after a powerful slam sparked a scrambling sequence that led to the finish.

McGrillen’s ferocious start included heavy hands and constant pressure, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the bantamweight division. The win further solidifies his status as one of Europe’s most dangerous rising stars.

Lightweight Semifinals Set: Hughes vs. Van Steenis, Chizov vs. Pacella

The 2025 PFL Europe Lightweight Tournament officially kicked off in Belfast, with four fighters advancing to the Semifinals. Connor Hughes (11-2) sparked excitement with a brutal second-round KO of Sebastian Di Franco, landing a clean right hand at 2:36.

Spain’s Gino Van Steenis (6-1) edged out Decky McAleenan via unanimous decision in a back-and-forth battle, earning his semifinal slot opposite Connor Hughes. Latvia’s Alex Chizov (11-3) stunned Mark Ewen with a first-round TKO at 1:33, while Italy’s Claudio Pacella (6-2) went the distance in a thrilling war with Gavin Hughes to earn a decision win and book a showdown with Chizov.

More Showcase Standouts in Belfast

Haider “Darth” Khan extended his win streak to six with a dominant unanimous decision over Sean McCormac in a catchweight bout. Meanwhile, Irish rising star Eoin Sheridan improved to 3-0 with a first-round KO over Malichi Edwards in a brutal Welterweight clash.

Gemma Auld (2-0), a full-time teacher, pulled off an inspiring win with a rear naked choke over Sammy-Jo Luxton at 2:42 of Round 2 in a high-paced Women’s Flyweight Showcase. In the night’s opening bout, Corey McLaughlin secured his first professional victory with a unanimous decision over Nahom Wedi after three hard-fought rounds.

PFL Europe Belfast: Full Results

• Main Event: Paul Hughes def. Bruno Miranda via KO (0:42, Round 1)

• Co-Main Event: Lewis McGrillen def. Alan Philpott via Submission (RNC) (3:17, Round 2)

• Connor Hughes def. Sebastian Di Franco via KO (2:46, Round 2) – Lightweight Tournament

• Gino Van Steenis def. Decky McAleenan via UD (29-28 x3) – Lightweight Tournament

• Alex Chizov def. Mark Ewen via TKO (1:33, Round 1) – Lightweight Tournament

• Claudio Pacella def. Gavin Hughes via UD (30-27, 29-28 x2) – Lightweight Tournament

• Haider Khan def. Sean McCormac via UD (30-27, 29-28 x2) – Catchweight Showcase

• Eoin Sheridan def. Malichi Edwards via KO (1:53, Round 1) – Welterweight Showcase

• Gemma Auld def. Sammy-Jo Luxton via Submission (RNC) (2:42, Round 2) – Women’s Flyweight

• Corey McLaughlin def. Nahom Wedi via UD (30-27 x2, 29-28) – Featherweight Showcase