Between 2019 and 2022, Brendan Loughnane has changed a lot, and a lot has changed for him.
The Brit out of Manchester became one of the biggest future prospects of the UFC after his superb performance at Dana White’s Contender Series back in 2019 but was unable to clinch a contract.
Loughnane faced Bill Algeo at Contender Series 2019: Week 1 in June 2019 and despite winning the fight via unanimous decision, he couldn’t land himself the prestigious contract as he was shot for a takedown in the final round of his fight.
Instead, Loughnane found himself at PFL, joining the company in October the same year. After toiling hard in the promotion for the next three years, has now become a millionaire after defeating Bubba Jenkins to win the PFL featherweight title, as well as the coveted seven-figure prize money – more than what several UFC champions make in the Octagon.
BRENDAN LOUGHNANE HAS DONE IT! HE IS THE 2022 PFL FEATHERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION!!!!!! #ANDNOW
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— PFL (@PFLMMA) November 26, 2022
Loughnane has lost only once in the PFL, in the last year’s semifinal round against eventual champion Movlid Khaybulaev. This time, however, the Briton left no stone unturned and gave his all in the tough contests against Ryoji Kudo and Ago Huskic, before earning entry into the summit clash with a win over grudge rival Chris Wade back in August.
While the final clash against Jenkins was an even contest at start, Loughnane slowly turned the bout to his favor, with constant leg kicks weakening Jenkins, and marked the stoppage in the fourth round with a huge right, followed by a brilliant knee to finish with a TKO victory.
“I really like this guy, it’s unfortunate that we had to fight each other but I love this guy from the bottom of my heart I really do. Forgot the belt and the million, it’s about the performance. That’s two fights against high-level featherweights in which I haven’t been taken down. I believe I’m one of the best featherweights on planet earth and that performance showed it tonight,” Loughnane said after the victory.
“I want to thank my mum and girlfriend for always spurring me on, they’ve been my rock throughout. To all the people who spent their hard-earned money to get flights and a hotel to come out here and see me, thank you,” he added. [H/T Mirror.co.uk]