Round 1 – Hard jab by Lapilus. Another one. And again! What a sharp jab by Lapilus. More jabs by Lapilus. Loughran just can’t get out of their way. Loughran marching forward, but getting picked apart right now. Loughran closes the distance and presses Lapilus against the cage. Three minutes left. Loughran trying to get the takedown, but Lapilus defending well. Great defense by Lapilus. They break apart. Two minutes left. More jabs by Lapilus. Loughran still pressing the action, but clearly behind in the striking. A right hand lands for Loughran. And Loughran shoots and gets a takedown. A little less than a minute left. Lapilus gets up and lands a knee. Back to striking. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lapilus.
Round 2 – Loughran again pressing the action and a quick takedown for Loughran! Four minutes left. Good control here by Loughran. Loughran connecting with ground-and-pound, but nothing massive. Loughran almost on mount in like a Khabib like position. Loughran gets the back! Lapilus bumps him off, but Loughran right back at trying to get the takedown and pins Lapulis against the cage. Two minutes left. Lapilu defending well, but still getting controlled. he breaks free with one minute left. Leg kick by Lapilus. More jabs by Lapilus. Body shot by Loughran. Leg kick by Loughran. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Loughran.
Round 3 – Low blow from Loughran halts the fight right at the start. Lapilus recovers quickly and the fight resumes. Loughran presses Lapilus against the cage. Loughran looking for the takedown, but Lapilus defending well. Lapilus breaks free. Good jab by Lapilus. Loughran relentless with pressure. Loughran with several takedown attempts, but all coming up short. Right hand connects for Loughran. Another failed takedown by Loughran. More jabs by Lapilus. More jabs. A minute left. Loughran presses Lapilus against the cage. Lapilus breaks free. Lapilus’ jab is nasty. The bell rings.
MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lapilus. Overall 29-28, Lapilus.
Result: Taylor Lapilus def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Photos:
Records: Taylor Lapilus (19-3 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Caolan Loughran (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lucasz Bosacki
Judging: