UFC debutant Caolan Loughran has claimed he is the best fighter on the upcoming UFC Paris card, taking place on September 2.
The Irish prospect vacated his Cage Warriors bantamweight title to make the jump from the European promotion to the UFC. Loughran will look to follow in the steps of many before him, such as Michael Bisping and Conor McGregor, in becoming UFC champion.
He is scheduled to open the main card in Paris, which shows the sort of faith the UFC have in his ability and star power. ‘The Don’ would tend to agree, claiming that he is the best fighter on the entire card.
He said: “[It’s] Absolutely unbelievable to be on the Paris card, last year was insane.
“The card itself isn’t that good this year, I seen today [that] I’m the biggest favourite in the card, I’m 100% positive [that] I’m the best fighter on the card.
“So, when the media gets out and they get interviewing me and stuff, I’m sure I’ll draw all the hype. I’ll steal the show and I know that for a fact, I’ll leave with everyone talking about me.”
Loughran Discusses UFC Paris Opponent
Across from him will be fellow UFC newcomer Yanis Ghemmouri. The Frenchman is on a nine-fight win streak and comes into the bout having won three fights in BRAVE CF.
However, Loughran himself doesn’t believe in the 28-year-old’s skill set in comparison to the rest of the UFC.
He said: “I’m a completely different level to him, everywhere. Honestly, I think he’s a bum, I think for UFC level he’s as low as you’re gonna get and if I can’t beat him, I’m a bum. That’s the way I see it.
“Aljamain Sterling would submit him quick, Sean [O’Malley] would pepper him up, Song [Yadong] would KO him, Corey [Sandhagen] would KO him. So, if I can’t do that then I’m not the level I think I am.
“Of course everyone can get caught but if this is a close back-and-forth [fight] then I’d be hugely disappointed.”
The Team Kaobon fighter has finished seven of his eight professional fights so far, with four of them coming in his last four fights. He is desperate to keep the streak alive against Ghemmouri.
He continued: “I am the biggest favourite on the card with the bookies today and I think it’s with good reason. They don’t give him a chance.
“I’ve been saying seven or eight minutes but I’ve been watching him lately and I do think I’m gonna stop him in a round. I do honestly believe that I’m gonna stop him in one round.”
Caolan Loughran Full Exclusive Interview
You can watch the full interview with Loughran below:
Please provide transcription credit with a link to this article if you use any of these quotes.
