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PFL champion Brendan Loughnane recently met Dana White for the first time since the UFC boss infamously snubbed him.
The 25-4 fighter knocked out Bubba Jenkins to win the PFL featherweight title and the promotion’s mammoth seven-figure prize money last month at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
@brendanmma – instagram
Loughnane nabbed a belt and $1 million at PFL 10
Loughnane had already accomplished a lot in the sport of MMA, but most previously remembered something he failed to accomplish in 2019 during his ill-fated appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series.
DWCS is a show that pits up-and-coming fighters against each other as they seek to earn their shot in the UFC.
However, a win isn’t always enough to get a UFC contract because it’s all about impressing White – the big boss – with your performance.
After easing his way to a decision win over Bill Algeo, who is now a UFC fighter, Loughnane was overlooked by the promotion’s president who suggested he wasn’t cut out for the UFC because that he had gone for a takedown in the final seconds of the fight.
White’s harsh rejection of one of Britain’s brightest stars caused an uproar in the MMA community, but the 53-year-old stood by his decision and urged UFC rivals to sign Loughnane.
He said at the time, “If I’m wrong, someone else can come get it. According to the people complaining about it, it must be a big score, so go for it.
@brendanmma – instagram
The 32-year-old has proven himself to be one of the best fighters in the world
@brendanmma – instagram
He also proved Dana White wrong to snub him in 2019
Loughnane was quickly recruited by PFL and he became their big British star before finally achieving his dream of becoming champions earlier this year.
On the heels of a career-high win, the 33-year-old ran into White while working on Darren Till’s corner team at UFC 282.
Loughnane told talkSPORT. “When I went on stage with Darren for the weigh-in, we shook hands and looked at each other.
“It’s the first time I’ve seen him in three years since the Contender series. So it was a bit of a crazy time, but we didn’t sit down and have a beer anyway.
Despite proving White wrong three years later, Loughnane isn’t convinced the UFC boss is wasting the missed opportunity to sign him, but he’s not bothered after making a name elsewhere.
He added, “I’m sure Dana White doesn’t lose sleep for me, and I certainly don’t lose sleep for him.”
Loughnane will now spend the festive period with his family and enjoy a well-deserved break from the gym before returning in the new year as he looks to defend his title.
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