Paul Hughes accepts Ian Machado Garry's cornerman offer for Bellator title fight

Paul Hughes welcomes the idea of fellow Irishman Ian Machado Garry being in his corner for his fight with Bellator lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

At Wednesday’s UFC 310 media day in Las Vegas, Machado Garry was asked if he would be interested in being part of Hughes’ (13-1) corner for the Jan. 25 headliner against Nurmagomedov (18-0) at Bellator Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

Machado Garry instantly agreed to the idea and said it would be a form of reciprocation for something Hughes did for him in June 2021.

“When I fought for my Cage Warriors world title, Paul was there in my corner when I had no one,” Machado Garry said. “If he wants me in his corner, I will find a way to be there and give the support he needs.”

Hughes recalls the situation Machado Garry was talking about, when he defeated Jack Grant to win the Cage Warriors welterweight title. It was Machado Garry’s final fight before joining the UFC, and Hughes aided him in a time of need.

The circumstances are different for Hughes going into his upcoming title fight, but he would be happy to have Machado Garry by his side.

“Ian had some complications, let’s say, with his gym at the time here over in Ireland,” Hughes told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “It was his world title fight and that week, whatever had happened with them, he needed somebody to corner. And to be fair to Ian, he would’ve gone out there by himself. But legally I don’t think he was not allowed to have a cornerman. So he needed someone in there. I was in London at the time and he asked me and of course I’m going to help the guy out. Absolutely, and he would do the same for me if I was in that situation.

“It’s fond memories for sure with Ian. And yeah, absolutely. If he’s in Dubai, we’ll throw him in there 100 percent. That would be fun.”

With Conor McGregor having set the bar for Irish MMA fighters, Hughes and Machado Garry are the best of the next generation. The significance of their next fights prove as much, and Hughes said he intends to do his part to continue the momentum.

“It’s funny how it’s all going down,” Hughes said. “Ian’s fighting here on Saturday obviously against Shavkat (Rakhmonov), and Shavkat’s been here training in the gym at Kill Cliff, where I’m currently at. Just the whole thing is funny. It’s actually quite nice to see how far we’ve both come. And coincidentally, we’re both fighting guys who are 18-0. So hopefully it’s 18-1, times two.”