BRITAIN’S Brendan Loughnane is leading the way for the “next generation of MMA stars”.
Loughnane, 32, is through to the final of the Professional Fighters League 2022 season.
He beat American rival Chris Wade, 34, in London to do so and now faces Bubba Jenkins, also 34, in November’s final.
Loughnane’s win came on the same weekend Leon Edwards, 31, knocked out Kamaru Usman, 35, to become UFC champion.
But the featherweight from Manchester has emerged as a poster boy star for the PFL and among those leading the way for MMA in the UK.
PFL CEO Pete Murray told SunSport: “Brendan is a warrior, and you saw what he is capable of in his last fight.
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“His determination and perseverance were evident and he now has a chance to win $1 million at the 2022 PFL World Championship.
“The PFL is a meritocracy – where each fighter has an opportunity to make a name for themselves – and it’s a joy to see fighters seize their chance and rise to the top.”
The PFL is MMA’s only league format, which consists of qualification and knockout rounds.
Stars in each weight have two playoff bouts, where points are earned per method of victory.
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The top four then progress into the playoffs, which are made up of a semis and final.
Cardiff and London played host to two out of the PFL’s three semi-finals.
And next year, they launch a European tournament which will see contenders fight for place in the $1m-winning season in 2023.
Murray said: “The UK has some of the most passionate MMA fans in the world, which was on full display at both PFL 8 and 9.
“At the PFL, we are committed to further advancing the sport across the globe to both major and underserved MMA communities.
“We appreciate all the UK fans that came out to support and are excited to bring more action with the inaugural PFL Europe Season set for 2023.
“Without a doubt, the UK is a prime MMA market and we’re eager to return next year with the debut of our 2023 PFL Europe season.
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“The UK is home to premium talent and the next generation of MMA stars, including some of our fighters who competed over the past two events.
“I am thrilled for what the PFL’s future has in store for the UK.”
