Brendan Loughnane fights for the first time in 2022 this coming week. British fans around the country should be excited. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Brendan, the 31-year-old has been fighting professionally since his debut in 2010. His current record is 21-4-0. He hopes to add to that win column at PFL 2022 #2 on the 28th of April. Headlined by a heavyweight showdown between Brazilian Bruno Henriquez Cappelozza (14-5) and Brendan’s fellow Brit Stuart Austin (15-7). Fans of Loughnane will tell you what they think the real main event is as he takes on 29-year-old Ryoji Kudo (10-2-1) from Japan.
Who Is Brendan Loughnane as a Fighter?
Making his amateur debut way back in 2008, Brendan went on to have three bouts as a novice, going 3-0. Turning pro two years later, he went 5-0 before he went and caught the attention of the UFC. Being drafted in as an alternate into the TUF house. Brendan was unsuccessful, losing to eventual winner Norman Parke in the semi-final in the Lightweight tournament. Despite not making it to the final, Loughnane still fought on that season’s final card. Losing a unanimous decision to Mike Wilkinson at UFC on FX 6.
Since his brief UFC stint, the Englishmen has gone on to gain 16 wins and avenged his loss against his UFC opponent over four years later at ABC 54: Supersonic. Putting together an impressive resume, Loughnane has become one of the brightest stars in a wealth of UK talent all over the globe. Never being finished. Three of his four losses came by way of split decision. Brendan gives his all every time he steps foot in the cage. Having finished 13 of his fights, he’s an exciting fighter with plenty of tools in his locker. The Mancunian holds impressive wins over Sheymon Moraes, Bill Algeo, Tyler Diamond and more.
Making a name for himself despite not having the powerhouse backing of the UFC shows what a truly gifted fighter he is. Predominantly a striker, Brendan has honed his craft and become an all-around animal and a nightmare match-up for many of the planet’s top 145lbs’.
Who He Is Fighting and Why You Should Watch
Now plying his trade in the PFL, Loughnane is one of the company’s top stars. Losing in the 2021 Featherweight Grand Prix semi-final to the eventual winner Movlid Khaybulaev (19-0). Wanting to bounce back strongly, this makes the upcoming fight a must-watch. He is taking on Ryoji Kudo (10-2-1), also looking to return to the cage after losing his last fight. Kudo possesses great knockout power. With six KO/TKO finishes, with his last three wins all being stopped in the first round.
Both looking for their first points on the board this season. Chasing a finish will be likely. With an incredibly strong Featherweight lineup this year, the points could be more important than ever. Three points for a win. Additional points are available with a finish. Three for getting it done in one. Two if you take your opponent out in the second. Then finally, one, if the opposition succumbs in the third.
When and How You Can Watch in the UK
Taking part at PFL 2022 #2, Brendan’s fight will be the co-main event of the evening. Boasting a four-fight main card, this event has loads of fun match-ups, with last season’s Heavyweight tournament winner headlining. Now being able to watch PFL events live in the UK, the main card will start at 2 am Thursday 28th, on Channel 4. Loughnane will make his walk to the ring around 3 am. If that seems too late for you, you can watch the full main card on-demand on the All 4 app. Just search for PFL.
PFL is definitely worth checking out. It really adds to the action with an old-school tournament vibe and a point-related leader board. Superb production and commentary PFL have upped their game in the last few years, making every event must-watch MMA.
Follow me on Twitter at @LHart2222 and follow us at Combat Sports UK for more exclusive content!
Featured image credits to PFL MMA
