Taylor Lapilus vs Caolan Loughran at UFC Fight Night 226
TAYLOR LAPILUS VS CAOLAN LOUGHRAN FACTS
When is UFC Paris? Saturday 2September, 2023 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Paris? Accor Arena, Paris (France)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Paris?
What channel is UFC Paris on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Paris? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
TAYLOR LAPILUS VS CAOLAN LOUGHRAN LOWDOWN
Taylor Lapilus’ (18-3) comeback to the UFC has not been straightforward. He had a fight with Khalid Taha fall through last year and was scheduled to fight Muin Gafurov who could not make it to Paris due to VISA issues. Thankfully, Lapilus remains on the card and is eager to put on a show in front of his home fans. He went 3-1 leaving the UFC in 2016 to pursue boxing. He returned to MMA a year later going 7-1 and is finally ready to return to the big show.
To make this happen, the UFC have pulled Caolan Loughran (8-0) and Yanis Chemmouri apart from their bout, so it has been chaotic for the Irishman as well. He makes his debut and is riding an impressive streak yet to taste defeat. His last four fights have been for Cage Warriors collecting four second-round knockouts. Bakhtyaar Oryakhail (2022), Festus Ahorlu (2022), Luke Shanks (2022) and Dylan Hazan (2023) all felt the wrath of the Irishman.
TAYLOR LAPILUS VS CAOLAN LOUGHRAN PREDICTION
Lapilus is an excellent striker from his kickboxing background. Loughran is also a dangerous striker and is very powerful, but he does not possess the technique of the Parisian.
Loughran will be better off calling upon his grappling to get the fight to the floor and keep him there. He is a confident striker, but if he just stands in front of Lapilus throwing bombs, he will get picked off.
He has the power to find the knockout, but the difference here is Lapulus’ movement. We expect Loughran to throw at a lot of air and getting his takedowns stuffed frustrating him into making mistakes.
We are backing Loughran’s toughness to drag this to the bell and if the odds stay wide, he may be worth a punt, but Lapilus should take this.
Prediction: Lapilus via Decision
