Brendan Loughnane is headed back to Las Vegas, less than four months after the city hosted the most controversial fight of his career.
Loughnane (17-3), of Manchester, England, will make his PFL debut on Oct. 11 at Mandalay Bay Events Center opposite Matt Wagy (13-6). The featherweight bout is not part of the PFL's $1 million season format, but rather its "New Fighter Showcase" series.
Wagy, of South Florida, will also be making his PFL debut. He has fought for Bellator MMA and most recently Titan FC.
Loughnane will compete in the season format in 2020. He signed with the PFL in July, shortly after an appearance on the UFC's Dana White Contender Series. His win on the show caused a stir in the MMA world, as many felt it warranted a contract offer from the UFC. White, however, said he did not approve of Loughnane's decision to shoot for a takedown late in the bout, and declined to offer him a spot on the roster.
Despite that experience, Loughnane 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 ESPN. "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."
