BRITAIN'S Brendan Loughnane leads the charge for the next generation of MMA superstars
Loughnane (32), is through to the last of the Professional Fighters League 2022 seasons.
Chris Wade lost to Brendan Loughnane
In London, he beat Chris Wade, 34-year-old American rival, and will now face Bubba Jenkins (34, in the final).
Loughnane won the fight on the same weekend Leon Edwards (31), knocked out Kamaru Uman (35) to become UFC champion.
Manchester's featherweight has been a big star in the PFL, and is leading the charge for MMA in the UK.
SunSport spoke with Pete Murray, CEO of PFL: "Brendan's a warrior. You saw his last fight.
He was determined and persevering and now has the chance to win $1,000,000 at the 2022 PFL World Championship.
"The PFL is a meritocracy, where every fighter has the chance to make a name themselves. It's a pleasure to watch fighters seize this opportunity and rise to the top."
The PFL, MMA's only league format is composed of knockout and qualification rounds.
Each weight star has two playoff bouts where points can be earned for each method of success.
The top four advance to the playoffs. These consist of a semifinal and final.
Two of the three semi-finals of the PFL were held in London and Cardiff.
Next year, they will launch a European tournament that will see competitors compete for a spot in the $1m-winning 2023 season.
Murray stated that the UK is home to some of the most passionate MMA enthusiasts in the world. This was evident at both PFL8 and 9.
"At PFL, our goal is to promote MMA across the world to both major and minor MMA communities.
"We are grateful to all UK fans who came out to support us and are excited for more action with the PFL Europe Season, which is scheduled for 2023.
"Without a doubt the UK is a major MMA market. We're excited to return next year with our debut of the 2023 PFL Europe season.
"The UK is home of top talent and the next generation in MMA, including some of our fighters from the previous two events."
"I'm thrilled about what the PFL has in store for the UK's future."
Bubba Jenkins takes on Brendan Loughnane at the PFL featherweight final
