Caolan Loughran has worked hard for this opportunity. The Tyrone fighter has been heavily touted in recent years after a distinguished undefeated Cage Warriors career which culminated in a bantamweight World Title at that level.
He was given his first opportunity at the big stage in UFC Paris in September. Unfortunately, the 27 year old who was originally set to fight Yanis Ghemmouri suffered the first defeat of his career to late replacement and home favourite Taylor Lappilus.
Loughran however, has taken the loss in his stride and wasted no time in getting back to training and preparing for his next chance. He will fight in Atlantic City on Saturday night and American Angel Pacheco on the undercard of the Erin Blanchfield v Manon Fiorot fight.
I'd say its been the longest I've been dialed in."
Like even from before Christmas I've been on it outside of the gym as much as inside."
Ready to go now, the hard works done.
'The Don' as Loughran is commonly known is usually calm and composed for his fights but senses there may be a hint of nerves at the weekend.
I only can speak because this is coming off the back of my first ever loss. I'd imagine I'll be nervous, I genuinely don't know. I haven't been, I probably should've been more nervous last time I was half f***** asleep.
However, the Irish bantamweight has put that loss behind and as he says himself that's "Just the game." As well as this many of the other top fighters have suffered defeats early on in their career. While he accepts that defeat is part of the fight game he has no intention of letting it happen again.
That's this sport that's how life goes. We literally have one full champion in the UK and Ireland in Leon (Edwards) and he literally lost on his debut. He won two fights and then drew with Kamaru Usman."
He lost again, in the UFC the best fight the best. I think the best in my division at the minute, obviously Sean's (O'Malley) champion but I think Merab's (Dvalishvili) probably the toughest fight. He went 0-2 in the UFC."
That just happens the best fight the best simple as that"
I'm very aware of that but I'm also not slipping onto a losing mentality that was the first time I lost a round as a pro and definitely not making a habit of it."
The Tyrone man is acutely aware of the nature of the UFC and the Bantamweight division in particular is hugely competitive.
This division's nuts. I think there's three men in this division who haven't lost. Umar (Nurmagomedov) was ranked 12th in the world when he went 4-0. If I was to go 3-0 this year in the UFC I'll be starting next year probably fighting for a ranked position. Y'know it's a cutthroat business this UFC bantamweight division.
Loughran has meticulously prepared for his latest opponent and knows his quality. However, he is extremely confident that he will secure his first UFC victory and believes he is superior in all aspects of the game.
Yeah I analyse my guys everyday really at least 5 days a week I'll watch them with my own training I think it's incorrect preparation if you don't.
I know everything about him I know what gym he's in, I know who he trains with, I know everything. He's a stereotypical Mexican boxer. I can't overlook him I'm in no position to overlook anybody."
He's definitely a step back from my last fight which is something I never wanted to do in my career ever. I always wanted to have a gradual rise but that's just the position we're in.
But a very winnable fight. I think I'm a better boxer, better wrestler, a lot better athlete, more experienced, have had harder fights more battle tested a lot younger just a better fighter.
Also on the undercard on Saturday night is Ballymena man Rhys McKee. The two northerners both fought and lost in UFC Paris and Loughran is always happy to fight alongside Irish fighters. The added Irish support is also a bonus.
Yeah, it's deadly to be sharing cards with Irish guys, I'm bringing a stupid amount of people to the east coast here and I'm sure Rhys is bringing plenty too.
There'll be a big contingent of Irish people there and the ones that I'm bringing will get behind him too."
For Loughran getting the victory this weekend is all that matters. However, he does see opportunities in his division and when asked if he could exploit the weaknesses of the best Loughran is very assured. He also doubts the quality of some of the fighters who've had huge title fights.
Absolutely, one hundred percent.
I think Chito Vera is an awful, awful fighter. He just fought for a UFC World Title he doesn't do anything."
The only time he wins fights is when someone gets tired from beating the f*** out of him, he's an awful fighter. O'Malley's good, good feints, good rhythm, good range I don't think he's beat Merab if I'm being one hundred percent honest.
But then Merab does get rocked, everybody's beatable."
Caolán Loughran takes on Angel Pacheco on March 30th live on UFC Fight Pass and TNT Sports 1 at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: BLANCHFIELD vs FIOROT.
