Paul Hughes prepares for his biggest challenge yet in PFL Battle of the Giants

Irish MMA fighter Paul Hughes faces his toughest challenge in his career this weekend in the PFL, as he takes on AJ McKee in the lightweight division in Saudi Arabia.

After winning the featherweight title in Cage Warriors, Hughes was one of the most sought after fighters in the world, with heavy speculation that he would join the UFC.

However, after long discussions, he made the move to the PFL, and had a successful debut with a win over Bobby King in the Bellator champions series in June.

Standing across from him in the Octagon on Saturday is former Bellator champion AJ McKee.

McKee grabbed the world's attention when he won the title in 2021 with a first round submission over Patricio Pitbull.

While he lost his title in the rematch, McKee is on a four-fight win streak, and Hughes will have to be at his best to come out of the contest with his hand raised.

Hughes is well-rounded, with clinical striking mixed in with wrestling.

Similar to McKee, should the fight get to the ground, both fighters will back themselves to cause damage to their opponent.

A win for Hughes would be a massive statement heading into 2025, where he will compete in the lightweight tournament.

Winning the Cage Warriors title made Irish people aware of Hughes, a win against McKee will make the world know his name.

Hughes and McKee will be on the main card in one of the biggest MMA events of the year.

Headlining the card is the return of Francis Ngannou to MMA, as he faces Renan Ferreira for the heavyweight championship.

Following defeats in boxing to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, Ngannou will compete in MMA for the first time since January 2022, where he defended his UFC title against Cyril Gane.

After a disagreement with the UFC, Ngannou signed for