The latest addition to the UFC Bantamweight division has been revealed with the arrival of Cage Warriors Bantamweight Champion Caolan Loughran. Loughran has been one of most hyped bantamweights in Europe for the last several years and after winning the world title with Cage Warriors in May this year, it was matter of time before the Irishman inked a deal with Dana White. The announcement came via Twitter that he has finally put pen to paper in a deal that is now official. Caolan Loughran has signed with the UFC.
Former Cage Warriors Champion Inks Deal with UFC
Today I put pen to paper for my @ufc contract
Dream big kids
Thank you so much to my team @Kaobon
Time to take over the game ☘️ https://t.co/D56h3wq84C
— Caolan Loughran (@DonCaolan135) July 20, 2023
Undefeated as a professional, Loughran has amassed an 8-0 record which has seen him travel across the continent. His wins over Dylan Hazan, Luke Shanks and Festus Ahorlu have seen him rise up the regional rankings until eventually taking the top spot at Cage Warriors. Calling for the UFC for some time now on social media, Loughran made it no secret of his desire to fight at UFC 292 in Boston—a city with a historically strong Irish connection. While his first fight has appeared to have been made with the organization, it will be in Boston. Instead, somewhere closer to home.
Caolan Loughran to Make UFC Debut at UFC Paris
UFC Paris will take place only a couple of weeks after UFC 292 and will see Ciryl Gane headline a card in his hometown. In the last day or so, a fight with Loughran has been added to the card. The Cage Warriors champion will make his debut with the organization against Yanis Ghemmouri in a bout that will undoubtedly be the toughest of his career. Ghemmouri will have the support of the home crowd who will of course back the frenchman as he will also be making his UFC debut. Currently 12-1, Ghemmouri represents the stiffest test of Loughran’s short career so far and he will have to be at the top of his game to show that he belongs in the UFC at the highest level.
The signing of Loughran continues an Irish resurgence into the top organization of MMA. With the arrival of Conor McGregor a whole host of Irish fighters have found their way into the UFC, yet aside from “The Notorious” none succeeded in carving out a stable career for themselves, bar Gunnar Nelson.
There was a drought for a few years as little to no Irish talent was signed by the company. This has all changed in recent times though. The emergence of Ian Garry as a contender in the welterweight division has spearheaded an Irish revival. Shauna Bannon is set to make her debut this Saturday on the Aspinall vs Tybura card and former Cage Warriors Welterweight Champion Rhys McKee has also just been signed by the organization. With the arrival of Loughran and the potential signing of Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Paul Hughes, it appears that the Irish MMA scene is the strongest it has been in a very long time.
