Following his release from the UFC despite securing a win in his final bout, Irish fighter Caolan Loughran has announced his move to the PFL.
Loughran`s four fights in the premier MMA promotion were marked by controversy, with two wins and two losses, often taken on short notice. His appearances in the UK and France didn`t win over local crowds, and he was notably involved in a public incident with Paddy Pimblett on a bus prior to UFC 304.
Nevertheless, as a former Cage Warriors titleholder boasting a significant Irish fanbase, Loughran became a sought-after free agent upon his UFC departure. He officially revealed his signing with the PFL on Saturday night in Belfast.
Loughran on His UFC Departure and PFL Signing
Loughran`s PFL signing announcement on Saturday night was less dramatic than planned, due to a broadcast issue. He was initially meant to be announced by commentators Dan Hardy and Sean O’Connell, or potentially called out in the cage by Lewis McGrillen if McGrillen won the co-main event.
However, after McGrillen secured the victory, he chose not to call out Loughran, leaving Caolan without his anticipated moment in Belfast. Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Loughran commented:
He stated, “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.’”
Despite this, his PFL signing is confirmed. He is set to participate in next year’s World tournament following two showcase fights later this year. Although he won his final UFC bout, he wasn`t offered a new contract after completing his standard initial four-fight deal.
Explaining his departure, he said, “I had a four-fight contract with the UFC and I fought that contract out. 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.”
Regarding the PFL, he added, “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.”
Bus Incident and Revenge on Pimblett`s Teammate
The rivalry between Loughran and Paddy Pimblett escalated in July last year during a bus ride to the UFC 304 ceremonial weigh-ins. Belonging to rival gyms, Team Kaobon and Next Gen Liverpool, a long-standing feud exists between their respective coaches and teammates.
During the incident, Pimblett reportedly told Loughran he would be knocked out by the undefeated Luke Riley, who was then slated for Dana White’s Contender Series. Pimblett also claimed Loughran was `schooled` in an amateur match against Nathan Fletcher.
However, Loughran exacted some revenge against Pimblett`s camp by defeating Nathan Fletcher via split decision at UFC London. While the result was unpopular with the live crowd, it represented a significant victory for Loughran in his personal rivalry with the popular Liverpool fighter.
