White Explains Why Brendan Loughnane Didn’t Receive UFC Contract
Brendan Loughnane appeared to do all the right things, but a decision late in his last fight was enough to make UFC president Dana White pass on him.
Last night (June 18), Loughnane competed on the 17th edition of Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Loughnane took on Bill Algeo inside the new UFC Apex facility in Las Vegas. Loughnane was able to outstrike Algeo and earned a unanimous decision victory. What got White upset was Loughnane scoring a takedown with 10 seconds left in the fight.
After revealing the contract winners, White broke down why Loughnane will not be returning to the UFC for now (via Bloody Elbow):
“Great fight. Both durable, tough guys banging it out. I have to give Brendan credit — he fought a guy who’s been a champion in two different (promotions). But let me tell you what you don’t do: you don’t come here, you don’t fight that type of fight, and you don’t go for the double leg with 10 seconds left in the fight. When you get on this show, this is it, this is your opportunity to show me what you have. You have to go bell to bell; knockouts, submissions, whatever it is, you have to go for the finish.
“I think that this kid is talented, I think he’s got a ton of heart, and I think he’s eventually gonna be in the UFC. Just not tonight.”
Loughnane had one fight in the UFC back in 2012. He dropped a unanimous decision to Mike Wilkinson. Since that time, he has gone 12-2 and even avenged his loss to Wilkinson.
