UFC bantamweight Caolan Loughran got his second straight bout in the UK facing Nathan Fletcher at UFC London on Saturday.
Loughran (9-2), coming off a loss to Jake Hadley at UFC 304, came into the fight with Fletcher with a 1-2 UFC record. The 28-year-old former Cage Warriors champion hoped to get his UFC run back on track with a win in London.
Fletcher (9-1) came onto the UFC scene after his appearance at TUF 32. Even though he lost his only fight on the show the English fighter made his UFC debut with a submission victory over Zygimantas Ramaska last September.
Round 1 Loughran came out with a lot of pressure firing out jabs, and ducking the counters from Fletcher. Fletcher got him back with a couple nice calf kicks, but Loughran stayed aggressive with as he established his jab attack.
Loughran landed a slick right hand up top and then fell right into a double leg takedown that he secured. Fletcher was able to get back to his feet, but Loughran stayed strong with the body lock and got him back down.
Fletcher got back to his feet, but ate a big right hand as he did it. After more dancing on the fence Fletcher created a scramble, almost got his back taken, but spun to face his opponent on the ground.
The round ended with yet another Loughran takedown.
Round 2 Fletcher came out very aggressive and secured a takedown of his own. He put Loughran on the fence and landed knees up top from behind. Fletcher landed some damage on Loughran with knees and hands as his opponent tried to address the position.
Fletcher jumped on the back turning himself into a backpack and landed some shots to the head on the fence. He continued to add up the control time and landing big shots to the had of Loughran’s.
After nearly an entire round of control time Loughran was able to get Fletcher off him, and he threw heat to try and find some momentum going into the last round. Loughran scored some points on the fence as the round ended.
Round 3 Loughran came out aggressive putting the pressure on Fletcher once again. Big shots up top from him, and then he shot and scored a takedown, but Fletcher forced his way back to his feet. Loughran stayed on the legs looking to get him back down and did.
Loughran worked his way to the back with his opponent trying to find a way to shake him off, but couldn’t. Loughran bailed on the position, but then fired a big right hand and shot in again. Stuffed, but Loughran stayed on him and put him on the fence.
Fletcher was able to get Loughran off him, they exchanged, before Loughran scored yet another takedown. He pops back up, but Loughran stays on him looking for another takedown.
The last minute Loughran scored another takedown before Fletcher popped back up to his feet and both men threw down to the horn. Fletcher was able to land some impressive strikes with seconds left including a nasty spinning back fist that almost put Loughran out.
Official Result: Caolan Loughran def. Nathan Fletcher via Split-Decision (29-28×2, 28-29)
