Caolan Loughran has confirmed his move to the PFL following his release from the UFC, despite securing a victory in his most recent fight.
The Irish fighter`s four-bout stint in the premier MMA promotion proved contentious. He achieved a 2-2 record, often taking fights on short notice. His performances didn`t resonate well with audiences in the UK or France, and he was notably involved in an incident with Paddy Pimblett on a bus before UFC 304.
Nonetheless, as a former Cage Warriors champion with a considerable Irish fanbase, Loughran was a sought-after talent after his departure from the UFC was announced. He officially confirmed his signing with the PFL on Saturday night in Belfast.
Loughran on Leaving UFC and Signing with PFL
Caolan Loughran`s PFL signing announcement on Saturday in Belfast was somewhat anticlimactic due to a broadcast issue. He was originally scheduled to be introduced by commentators Dan Hardy and Sean O`Connell, unless Lewis McGrillen won the co-main event, in which case McGrillen would call him out for a face-off in the cage.
However, after the Manchester native McGrillen secured the win, he opted not to make the callout, leaving Loughran without his planned moment in his hometown. Speaking afterward, Loughran expressed his frustration but acknowledged the circumstances. “I was very cross but then Paul Hughes came out and tonight was Paul’s night,” he stated.
He explained his decision not to enter the cage: “I didn’t want to take that away from him. They asked me to get in the cage after the fight and I said ‘absolutely not this is Paul’s night’.”
His PFL signing is now confirmed. He is slated for two showcase bouts this year before competing in next year`s World tournament. Despite winning his final UFC fight, he was not offered a new contract after fulfilling his initial four-fight agreement, a common practice for new fighters.
Loughran detailed his contract situation: “I had a four-fight contract with the UFC and I fought that contract out.” Regarding the lack of a new offer, he added, “I came off the back of a big win and I won’t go into too much detail but they were meeting us with a wee bit of pushback and that rubbed me up the wrong way.”
He contrasted this with his experience with PFL: “Then PFL came in and even today the way that I was treated when I came in I felt really, really, really valued. I thought I made the right decision then after tonight I know for sure that I have made the right decision.”
Loughran`s Win Against Pimblett`s Teammate After Bus Incident
In July of last year, Loughran and Pimblett had an altercation during a bus journey to the UFC 304 ceremonial weigh-ins. Both fighters represent rival gyms, Team Kaobon and Next Gen Liverpool, whose coaches and teammates have a long-standing rivalry.
At one point during the exchange, Pimblett predicted that Loughran would be knocked out by Luke Riley, who was then undefeated and on track for Dana White’s Contender Series. Pimblett also claimed Loughran was outclassed in an amateur bout against Nathan Fletcher.
However, Loughran exacted a form of revenge against Pimblett’s team by defeating Nathan Fletcher via split decision at UFC London. Although the result was met with disapproval from the arena crowd, it provided Loughran with a significant victory in his ongoing feud with the popular Liverpool native.
