Brendan Loughnane Reaches $1M PFL Final After Defeating Kai Kamaka III
Britain's Brendan Loughnane has earned a place in the 2024 PFL Finals, with a chance to win the $1 million prize (£756,880). Loughnane achieved this by beating American featherweight Kai Kamaka III in a split decision in Washington DC. This victory adds another fighting opportunity for Loughnane, who became the only Briton to secure a PFL belt after winning the featherweight title in 2022. This is prepared by SSP.
In what was a highly technical contest, Kamaka narrowly out-struck Loughnane, but the 34-year-old Briton delivered more damaging blows. Significant moments included a powerful spinning back kick to Kamaka's body and a series of knees from the clinch that dropped Kamaka. Despite Kamaka's efforts, including effective one-two punch combinations, Loughnane was more efficient and impactful.
Two judges scored the fight 29-28, before the third ruled it 30-27 in favor of Loughnane, thereby giving him his 30th career win and ending Kamaka's five-fight win streak. Loughnane will face Russian Timur Khizriev in the final, who triumphed over Brazil’s Gabriel Braga by unanimous decision. The dates and venue for the 2024 PFL Finals are yet to be announced.
Notably, Loughnane follows fellow Mancunian Dakota Ditcheva, who will compete in the women’s flyweight final. Ditcheva won against Jena Bishop earlier this month, making history as she aims to become Britain’s first female MMA world champion. Meanwhile, Loughnane could build his legacy by becoming the nation’s first two-time PFL world champion.
