Brendan Loughnane fighting for love of MMA, not money or belts: 'I'm in the twilight of my career'

Brendan Loughnane still feels elite, but he knows that won’t last forever.

The 2022 PFL featherweight champion is at a stage in his career when it’s not about the money or the titles, but instead enjoying what he will not be able to in the near future. Turning 35 in December, Loughnane (29-5) feels he’s getting close to the end, and that’s why he’s had a shift of mentality.

“I got a belt; it’s right there. I got the money, and I’ve invested it well,” Loughnane told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’m purely doing this for the love of martial arts and showing my skills and getting up every day and training and doing it until the wheels fall off.

“Let’s have it right: I’m 34. I’m in the twilight of my career. I’m in the last quarter of my career, and I want to enjoy every last second of it, and that’s where I’m at.”

Loughnane returns to the cage this Friday in the main event of PFL Playoffs 3, which goes down at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. He takes on Kai Kamaka (14-5-1) in the semifinal bout of the 2024 PFL featherweight playoffs.

As far as who he expects to see in the final in November, Loughnane believes he’ll end up fighting Timur Khizriev (16-0), who fights Gabriel Braga (14-1) also at this Friday’s PFL event.

“I think Timur,” Loughnane said. “I think his wrestling will be a bit too much for Braga, but I’ve been wrong before. I actually like Braga, and he’s got a great story, and he’s a great guy. Either of those two guys. Let’s just concentrate on Kai Kamaka. … I will rise to it, and I will beat him.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for 2024 PFL Playoffs 3.