Caolan Loughran is looking to challenge top-tier opponents immediately following his recent transition from the UFC to PFL.
The Irish fighter departed the UFC after completing his initial four-fight contract. He has now chosen to compete in the PFL`s Smart Cage, aiming for next season`s World Tournament. Before that, however, he intends to have at least two preliminary fights, potentially including a bout against the 2024 European champion, Lewis McGrillen.
Among the participants in this year`s PFL tournament is Jake Hadley, who defeated Loughran at UFC 304 last summer in Caolan`s third promotional appearance. A rematch could also be on the horizon with Taylor Lapilus, the only other professional opponent to beat him; Lapilus is scheduled to face Ali Taleb on July 5 in Brussels.
Caolan Loughran Plans Three Major Bouts in PFL
After securing a 2-2 record during his initial UFC contract, Caolan Loughran is eager to make a significant impact quickly in his new promotion. Drawing inspiration from the success of fellow Irishman Paul Hughes, Loughran plans to take on challenging fights early before entering the World Tournament next year.
“Sergio Pettis, Raufeon Stots and Magomed Magomedov are the three biggest names I would say,” Loughran stated in an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow. Pettis is a former Bellator champion, while Magomedov trains alongside Khabib Nurmagomedov`s team in Dagestan.
“Raufeon isn’t really that big of a name but I think he’s one of the best bantamweights in the world,” Loughran continued. “He got knocked out by Patchy Mix but it was kind of a weird shot the way the knee came up, it could happen to anyone. Then he got spinning backfist-ed in the first five seconds by Merab Dvalishvili, absolutely insane.
“He’s coming up on 38 now, though. I’ve been watching the whole division even before I signed and this year they’ve had the most exciting tournament. I haven’t watched in previous years to this degree but this year it has been world class, apparently the best year so far for the first round.
“Look, I’d fight them all, I’m hoping to make my debut in Brussels on July 5, but I’m watching it all. Even old fights from Pettis against Patchy and Pitbull and all these guys. I’d like to fight Sergio.”
Caolan Loughran Clarifies UFC Departure Was Not a Release, but a Bidding War
When the UFC Roster Tracker announced Loughran was no longer listed by the promotion, it prompted numerous messages of support for the Irishman. Given his recent success, including a win in his last bout, the idea of him being cut from the roster unexpectedly seemed puzzling.
However, Loughran clarified that this was not the situation. He had signed a standard four-fight contract upon leaving Cage Warriors, bypassing Dana White`s Contender Series. Once the contract concluded, he became the subject of a bidding war among promotions. He ultimately decided against pursuing a new deal with the UFC, which had not yet fully materialized, opting instead for the PFL.
“Conversations were getting very positive with Sean Shelby,” he explained, emphasizing his desire to maintain a good relationship with the UFC, particularly as his brother Tiarnan aspires to fight under the UFC banner one day.
“Then PFL and Dan Hardy came in, and honestly a lot of promotions were in. Some crazy ones, I was offered some big fights including being asked basically ‘how much do you want to fight Muhammad Mokaev on that 971 in Dubai?’
“The way the PFL were talking to me and just basically how they were going to push me and how they could do it, my mind was made up very quick. But I must say it was great craic for five or six days with all these calls coming in.
“But I’m thankful for clearing this up because I had known and basically signed for the PFL and then that UFC Roster Watch broke. I was getting DMs like someone had died in my family ‘I hope you’re okay bro.’ I was like ‘Jesus Christ, all is good’. It’s just the fight game and you roll with it.”
