Northern Ireland’s Paul Hughes failed in his attempt to become Bellator Lightweight champion, losing to Usman Nurmagomedov via a majority decision win in Dubai.
Nurmagomedov retained the belt and maintained his unbeaten record after the judges scored the bout 47-47, 48-46, 48-46 in his favour.
Hughes is now demanding a rematch in Belfast.
“I really thought I won that one. I should have pushed harder,” he said.
“We’re going yo fight again, I really respect Usman, I probably left some in the tank but I won’t next time.
“I really thought I was going to win tonight, I’m heartbroken. We have to do the rematch in Belfast, it has to be in Belfast. I think I’ve earned this. All the guys in Dagestan, you will be welcome in Ireland.”