VIDEO: Another star Irishman in the UFC? He heckled the fans at the weigh-in, got on without a song to their boos, then lost. He’s garnering praise and criticism

What a debut! Caolán Loughran has his first fight in the UFC. He may have lost, but a lot of fighters could learn from him how to draw attention. He did it in typical Irish fashion, you might say. He’s made himself into a real badass and he’s been talked about a lot.

The UFC was in Paris on Saturday, and the European crowd could rejoice. The best of world MMA at a propitious time. The main card was the draw, however one fight stood out on the prelims.

It was taken care of by another passion-inducing Irishman. Caolán Loughran was about to make his UFC debut and his opponent was the seasoned Taylor Lapilus. The Irish prospect had never lost in his career. Until now. But he did manage one win.

The talk of the town. He went into the UFC as basically an unknown fighter, and after his first fight, he’s the talk of the town. He’s lost on points, but his demeanor has mimicked the likes of Conor McGregor and rising star Ian Machado Garry, his most famous compatriots to date.

Loughran talked a lot before the fight. And he didn’t stop with just words. During the public weigh-in, he downright asked to be public enemy number one with his gestures to the French audience.

That he has a lot of self-confidence, he confirmed it when he entered the match. In fact, Loughran provided an iconic moment. He didn’t choose any entrance song. He fully enjoyed the hatred and boos of the French crowd.

Could it be that the pressure and the hatred was getting to him? No, it didn’t. He certainly didn’t look rattled in the match. But it wasn’t enough to win. Loughran lost on points, but he’s being talked about a lot, which is only good for his future.

If he can keep adding wins in the UFC, he could be the next big thing. Fans universally agree that whether or not anyone likes his behavior, the organization and the world of MMA needs figures like him.

Indeed, even coach John Kavanagh praised him for it, stating that it was Loughran who made the prelims fight a duel that felt like it was the main event of the entire gala.

Source: UFC, Twitter