Irish MMA star explains role Gaelic football and hurling played in fight career

Rising MMA star Paul Hughes believes growing up playing Gaelic football and hurling helped prime him for a move into the fight game. The Lavey man says the GAA was a massive part of his life before switching sports at the age of 15.

And it has proved to be a positive move for the 27-year-old, who went on to become Cage Warriors world champion and who recently signed a lucrative multi-fight deal with the Professional Fighters League.Hughes is set to fight on the PFL's showpiece Bellator card in Dublin next month. Asked where his passion for MMA came from, Hughes offered an insight into his GAA upbringing and the positive role it played in his younger life.

"There was a gym that opened up about 10 minutes from my house in Castledawson. I am a Lavey man myself. I went down and tried a beginners' class and I was completely hooked after about a month.

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Paul Hughes, Irish MMA's 'hottest free agent', backed to be UFC starPaul Hughes signed off with Cage Warriors earlier this month with a devastating first-round stoppage of Fabiano Silva
Source: BelfastLive - 🏆 16. / 77 Read more »

Glasgow Airport called out as sign 'mixes up Irish and Scottish Gaelic'GLASGOW airport has been told to act after one of its signs appears to mix up Irish and Scottish Gaelic.
Source: SunScotNational - 🏆 49. / 63 Read more »

Paul Hughes confirms MMA future with multi-fight contractThe Derry MMA star recently signed off with Cage Warriors
Source: BelfastLive - 🏆 16. / 77 Read more »

Paul Heatley makes European prediction as he bows out from Irish LeagueCrusaders legend happy to bow out on a high note as he calls time on his career
Source: BelfastLive - 🏆 16. / 77 Read more »

Irish League LIVE updates Larne cruising to second successive Irish Premiership titleFinal round of Irish Premiership fixtures this evening as Invermen close in on title and Carrick Rangers and Dungannon Swifts fight for final play-off spot
Source: BelfastLive - 🏆 16. / 77 Read more »

Leeds Irish Centre: Study want to hear from Irish people who settled in YorkshireA new research project to be carried out in Yorkshire asks its participants a key question: “How has your Irish heritage shaped you, your values and lifestyle?”
Source: The Yorkshire Post - 🏆 39. / 66 Read more »