Paul Hughes has withdrawn from the PFL Belfast main event that was due to take place on April 16. He suffered a serious knee injury in training and will have surgery next week.
Injury announcement
The Irish fighter posted a video on Instagram to explain the situation. He said the injury ended his planned comeback fight and that he tried everything he could to stay on the card.
Hughes told his fans: “I’m out of PFL Belfast. Did everything I possibly could. Surgery next week to fix the issue. I’m sorry to all my supporters. I am absolutely crushed.”
What this means for PFL Belfast
The event will still go ahead in Belfast on April 16. Organisers and fighters on the card will continue with the show. Hughes said the card will feature “the best talent the island has to offer,” including his teammates and young Irish prospects.
No opponent name or replacement details were given in Hughes’s announcement. The promotion has not released an official update about a new main event at the time of his post.
Hughes’ recovery and outlook
Hughes confirmed he will have surgery next week and said he plans to return to competition as soon as possible. He used a familiar mindset in his message: “I will be back as soon as humanly possible. The obstacle is the way.”
The fighter did not provide a recovery timeline or further medical details beyond the need for surgery. He asked fans for understanding and apologised to supporters who were looking forward to his comeback.
Final notes
The PFL Belfast event remains scheduled for April 16 in Belfast. Fans can expect the card to feature local talent and rising fighters from the region. More updates about the bout order or a replacement main event should come from the promotion in the days ahead.
