Brendan Loughnane will make his Professional Fighters League debut against Matt Wagy on Oct. 11
On Tuesday, the league confirmed that Loughnane (17-3), of Manchester, England will make his debut at PFL 7 in a featherweight bout against Matt Wagy (13-6). The event takes place on Oct. 11 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The featherweight bout is not part of the PFL’s $1 million season format, but rather its “New Fighter Showcase” series.
Loughnane came in the limelight earlier this year as a contestant on Dana White’s Contender Series. One of the more experienced fighters heading into the show, Loughnane won a unanimous decision over Bill Algeo on June 18, but did not receive a UFC contract after being criticized by White for ending his performance with a take-down attempt rather than going all out for a finish.
Loughnane enters his PFL debut on a three-fight winning streak. He has contested for promotions such as ACB, BAMMA and previously had one-fight stint in the UFC, where he suffered a loss from Mike Wilkinson in December 2012.
Despite that experience, the 29-year-old Englishman says he is not using the UFC’s decision to pass on him as motivation.
“That’s the first question I get now: Do I hate Dana White?” Loughnane told media. “No. I have no hate towards the man. I have no hate towards the UFC. I am very excited to fight for PFL and very excited to fight in Las Vegas. It’s a dream come true.
“This is not about the UFC. It’s about Brendan Loughnane. There were plenty of offers on the table after the Contender Series, but one thing I liked about PFL is you can be a millionaire in one season. Nowhere else can you can get that opportunity.”
