PFL star Chris Wade reveals ‘bad blood’ with rival Brendan Loughnane

PFL star Chris Wade has opened up on the rivalry between him and semi-final opponent Brendan Loughnane.

For so many years now Chris Wade has been recognised as the bridesmaid, never the bride. He’s been able to reach the semi-finals of the PFL lightweight tournament twice and in 2021, he moved down to featherweight and finally got to fight for the championship.

Unfortunately, he came up short, but it didn’t deter the 34-year-old from trying to achieve his goal.

As he prepares to head into the post-season once again, Wade spoke exclusively to GiveMeSport.com and explained how his mentality has shifted this time around.

“I’m coming into my own. Everybody matures in this sport at a different rate. Some hit the scene and their first year is their best year, and some people are slow in that development. For me, I was more of a wrestler just trying to get in there and be tough, like in my days in the UFC. I was just trying to get through certain fights because I lacked the time spent on my feet and I lacked the time spent executing.

“Now, since pre-COVID, I’ve spent time investing in my striking and other parts of my game. Now, I feel like any fight that I’m in, I can choose where I want it to take place.”

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His opponent in the semi-finals, England’s own Brendan Loughnane, isn’t the biggest fan of Wade – and it’s safe to say the feeling is mutual.

“I think there’s a lot of bad blood there, personally, stemming back to the finals last year when he decided to go on Twitter and call me a juicehead.

“As somebody who grew up as a wrestler, I grew up learning about being humble, being respectful, keeping your mouth shut, that kind of thing. I don’t need a guy like him on there trying to teach me