Caolan Loughran loving ‘pressure’ of domestic dust-up at PFL Belfast one year on from UFC release

Apr 16, 2026 - 17:45

Caolan Loughran has recognised it’s all or nothing ahead of his fight at PFL Belfast, live on talkSPORT.

Following his release from the UFC in 2025, the 29-year-old was beaten in an upset on his PFL debut last October against Jack Cartwright, who claimed a unanimous decision win on short notice.

Caolan Loughran of Northern Ireland reacts after a victory against Nathan Fletcher of England in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at The O2 on March 22, 2025 in London, England — Loughran said he’s been the ‘victim’ of not feeling pressure in previous fights and is relishing his chance to right the wrongs at PFL Belfast

“I can’t dwell on it, I just have to get better,” Loughran said during a face-off with opponent Alan Philpott on talkSPORT’s YouTube, where fans in the UK and Ireland can watch PFL Belfast for free on Thursday night.

“I’m just trying to focus on now, going forward, and new energies as opposed to looking back to then.”

Loughran welcomes all pressure for PFL Belfast

Loughran moved home after his defeat to Cartwright to join up with the team at Fight Academy Ireland (FAI) in Belfast, alongside PFL star Paul Hughes.

Hughes was meant to headline this year’s PFL Belfast card following a stunning 42-second KO against Bruno Miranda in his hometown last May, but pulled out in March to have knee surgery.

He was scheduled to face New Zealander Jay Jay Wilson, who now faces undefeated Irish prospect Darragh Kelly instead.

Loughran, meanwhile, is part of one of two domestic dust-ups on the PFL Belfast card as he takes on Northern Ireland’s Philpott, with Eoghan Masoliver vs Shane Mullen another all-Ireland affair.

“I actually want that pressure,” Loughran responded when Philpott threatened his career will be over if he suffers his second consecutive defeat under the PFL banner.

“I’ve been the victim of not feeling pressure in fights before, but if that was me ‘done’ what would you be at 17 [defeats] you f***ing gobs****?”

Philpott is a seasoned mixed martial arts veteran, having contested 38 bouts since his pro debut in 2011.

Like Loughran, the 33-year-old has moved back home for his PFL Belfast camp, having lived in Australia for years, training with the likes of UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

Caolan Loughran and Alan Philpott face off ahead of their fight at PFL Belfast — There is so much at stake when Loughran meets Philpott at PFL Belfast

‘Super Ali’ was submitted by Lewis McGrillen at PFL Belfast last year, but says he’s got over the ‘massive deal’ of fighting at home again for what he believes could be the ‘biggest domestic fight ever.’

“I feel like I was enjoying the experience and being back home on the stage rather than the actual fight,” Philpott said.

“The difference this time is that my focus is purely just on the fight itself.”

Speaking directly to Loughran, Philpott added: “You don’t believe what you say.

“I can see the doubt; you’re already starting to contradict what you say.

“You’re doubting your ability. You don’t 100 per cent believe what you’re saying.

Alan Philpott speaks to Dan Hardy ahead of PFL Belfast — Philpott believes his path to victory is catching Loughran as he comes rushing in from the first bell

Caolan Loughran poses at PFL Belfast weigh-ins — Loughran said he will get a hold of Philpott and bully his opponent on the canvas until the fight is over

“I believe you’re game, but you don’t 100 per cent believe that you know you can do that.

“You’re already one foot in one foot out… this fight’s happening because of me, everything’s on my terms.”

Although Loughran and Philpott have fought at bantamweight for the majority of their respective careers, their clash in Belfast is being contested at featherweight.

Philpott said the higher weight class means he can perform at his best, adding that he’s finished cutting weight to 135lbs.

Loughran claims he agreed to the weight as he ‘doesn’t really care’ and feels confident he would overcome Philpott in any division.

Giving a prediction, the younger man concluded: “I’m on [Philpott] until the referee rips me off him.