Could Paul Hughes vs. Peter Queally Be Next on Deck for ‘Big News’?

Peter Queally may not be fighting on the Bellator Champions Series Dublin card at 3Arena on Saturday, but the Irish “Showstopper” will still have the best seat in the house.

Queally is set to join the broadcast booth for Saturday’s slate of fights. He’s thrilled to share his experience with the fans and provide expert analysis, but he should be taking notes on his next potential opponent.

Although Queally doesn’t have a fight scheduled, the 39-year-old Waterford native wonders why he’s been asked several times this week about a particular Irish star. Could a potential showdown be brewing with blue-chip prospect Hughes? Queally would sure like to know.

“I’m starting to feel like I’m the last person to know something,” Queally told reporters at the Bellator Championship Series Dublin Media Day event on Thursday. “I know [Hughes] asked to fight me for this show, but I was already unavailable, so maybe it’s what he wants.”

Hughes (11-1) is set to make his long-awaited debut since signing with the Professional Fighters League this weekend against Bobby King (12-6). After a championship reign in Cage Warriors, Hughes has blossomed into one of the most significant prospects in the entire sport. He’s looking forward to blowing the roof off 3Arena but says a fight with Queally hasn’t crossed his mind lately.

“The Peter Queally thing came about because I wanted a big fight for my debut,” Hughes said. “Obviously, myself and Peter would be a great fight for the Irish fans and it's one of the biggest fights you can make on the Irish scene, but I don’t know if he was injured or whatever. It’s not something I’m really thinking about for the future, but I wouldn’t rule it out completely either.”

Hughes says he’s not focused on Queally, but he might not be able to pass on the opportunity to call him out face-to-face cageside. At 39, Queally hasn’t won a fight since 2021, but he remains one of the region’s favorite fighters. His showdown with Hughes could be Ireland’s biggest fight in years.

“I feel like I’m being set up for a call out or something,” Queally said. “I have no beef with him, but I’ve never turned down a fight. So if someone wants me to fight someone, I’ll fight them. I don’t care who it is.”