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Paul Hughes says PFL drug tests were only urine, day-before fights

The Ariel Helwani Show · Paul Hughes Reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov Potentially Joining UFC, Exposes PFL’s Lack of Drug Testing · August 18, 2026
Paul Hughes says PFL drug tests were only urine, day-before fights
The Ariel Helwani Show
The Ariel Helwani Show
Paul Hughes Reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov Potentially Joining UFC, Exposes PFL’s Lack of Drug Testing
">> So the only drug test that I've received in PFL has been a urine test the day before fights. So that has been consistent throughout and that is what has been going on to my understanding. There's been nothing out of competition."
PFL lightweight Paul Hughes says that, in his experience, drug testing in the promotion has amounted to urine testing the day before bouts, with no out-of-competition testing or whereabouts system. Hughes argues this makes it easier for athletes who want to cheat to avoid detection, and frames it as a fighter safety issue.
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The Ariel Helwani Show
The Ariel Helwani Show

Paul Hughes Reacts to Usman Nurmagomedov Potentially Joining UFC, Exposes PFL’s Lack of Drug Testing

August 21, 2026 · 32m · 1 Egleze moments
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