[autotag]Brendan Loughnane[/autotag] feels confident he made the right decision.
After getting passed over for a UFC contract due to a late takedown during his “Dana White’s Contender Series” fight, Loughnane inked a deal with PFL in the fall.
Despite being unable to partake in the 2019 tournament season which had already started, Loughnane was booked right away for a showcase fight. At PFL 2019: Playoffs 1 in early October, Loughnane won his promotional debut against Matt Wagy by unanimous decision.
Less than two months later, Loughnane has been rebooked for the PFL 2019 championship card. On New Year’s Eve, Loughnane (28-3 MMA) will take on David Valente at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. The promotion announced the booking Thursday.
“These guys are amazing,” Loughnane told MMA Junkie, about his experience with the PFL. “They promised me seven fights. Five in the tournament and two before the end of the year. I can’t complain. I just fought in Mandalay Bay and now I’m about to fight in Madison Square Garden. PFL is really delivering the goods.
“(I’m) extremely happy, extremely content. They work great with me. I work great with them. It’s a great partnership and I really look forward to putting myself in the mix next year for the $1 million.”
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The $1 million Loughnane refers to is next year’s tournament prize. He’s already been promised a slot in the PFL 2020 featherweight season. While doesn’t want to look past his opponent on Dec. 31, Loughnane can’t help but set long-term goals.
“I can’t overlook David Valente,” Loughnane said. “He’s a dangerous fighter. But next year is the goal – the $1 million. That’s what I signed up for.”
Loughnane had the opportunity to visit New York’s Madison Square Garden for the first time in early November. He attended UFC 244 to support his friend Darren Till. Walking in the arena, Loughnane was struck by its magnitude.
“(It) gives me goose bumps,” Loughnane said. “The most prestigious arena on earth. I recently went there for the (Jorge) Masvidal fight to support my boy Darren Till. It was my first time in New York.
“It was my first time in the arena. I literally walked in and I had to walk back out and take a second to myself. Like, ‘Wow. I’m going to be fighting here.’ One of those surreal moments.”
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Loughnane’s fight against Valente (11-4 MMA) will take place as part of the Jan. 31 undercard. After Loughnane and Valente compete, the $1 million final between the 2019 finalists will go down.
“I get to see what I’m up against,” Loughnane said. “Lance Palmer is like 9-0 in there now. He’s absolutely killing it. He’s the guy to beat. I hear there’s a bit of a change-up next year. I hear they’re changing the roster a lot. There’s going to be some savages in there, chasing that big money prize. ”
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