A.J. McKee vs. Paul Hughes targeted for PFL PPV in October

A pivotal lightweight clash is expected for PFL’s return to pay-per-view

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that a matchup between former Bellator featherweight champion A.J. McKee and former Cage Warriors star Paul Hughes is targeted for the PFL’s superfight pay-per-view event on Oct. 19. MagicM MMA first reported the booking on Twitter.

Since losing his title to Patricio Pitbull in April 2022, McKee has had a successful shift to lightweight, winning all four of his 155-pound appearances. In his most recent outing, the 29-year-old submitted Clay Collard in 70 seconds at February’s PFL vs. Bellator event. The No. 13 ranked lightweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings has won 22 of his 23 pro fights.

Hughes signed with PFL earlier this year as one of the sport’s highly-touted free agents following a nine-fight run with Cage Warriors. In his first promotional appearance, the 27-year-old stopped Bobby King via second-round TKO at Bellator Dublin in June.

The event will be headlined by the MMA return of Francis Ngannou as he faces fellow knockout artist Renan Ferreira.