Inspired by Ricky Hatton, Brendan Loughnane wants to bring PFL title back to Manchester

Brendan Loughnane grew up watching Ricky Hatton headline boxing shows at the Manchester Arena.

Loughnane, 32, is a British MMA fighter who competes in the PFL, currently in the featherweight division.

The PFL, or Professional Fighters League, announced on Tuesday that they will hold playoff events in the UK with shows in London and Cardiff scheduled for August.

And he hopes it will see him follow in the footsteps of his childhood hero Hatton, 43.

Speaking to GiveMeSport.com, the 32-year-old spoke of his respect for the pride of Hyde and the success he had for 15 years.

He said: “Ricky was what I grew up on, all the flights to Las Vegas with all the lads.

“Manchester born and bred, supporting our own. It’s just a part of who we are. It’s part of our DNA.

“I’ve always said, even Anthony Crolla, he’s another one, selling out the Manchester Arena and having them nights, them iconic Manchester fight nights, is an absolute dream of mine.

“It’s just a shame that I’m 32 now and on the other side. I would’ve loved to have been 21 in the Ricky Hatton era.

“But, you know, now we’ve got Channel 4, now we’ve got the PFL in the UK, there’s no better time.

“We’re in the golden age of UK MMA, and the amount of talent these guys are going to be signing, they’re going to be making major moves.

“Get my world title in Manchester, why not? Who knows. Put on some dramatic performances, and then say, ‘Pete, come on mate, do the AO Arena for the final, why not?’

“Million dollar Brendan at the Manchester Arena. You just put that idea in my head, I’d never even though of that before that, it’s got me excited.”

Loughnane is expected to compete in the playoffs this summer having picked up all three points against Ryoji Kudo.

An opponent