Taylor Lapilus had much to prove on Saturday night at UFC Fight Night 226. So, when he won, the celebration was about more than winning a fight.
It marked Taylor’s return to the UFC, and he achieved it on home turf against Caolan Loughran. The fight was on the preliminary card of Saturday night’s event. Moreover, he won by a unanimous decision. However, above his physical victory was the respect he won for his homeland against Caolan, who had criticized it before.
Continue reading to learn more about their interactions and how Lapilus dealt with his rival.
Loughran’s behaviour at the ceremonial weigh-ins, where he made an obscene gesture towards the Parisian crowd, and his negative comments about the state of French MMA in the lead-up to the fight had fueled Taylor Lapilus’s determination to secure a victory.
Lapilus expressed his desire to uphold the honour of his country and its MMA community during the UFC Fight Night 226 post-fight press conference. He emphasized his deep affection for France and how Loughran’s insults had made it even more important for him to deliver a strong performance and emerge victorious in the fight.
After previously competing in the UFC between 2015 and 2016, Taylor Lapilus briefly returned to the regional MMA scene, where he notably accumulated a record of 7 wins and 1 loss. His comeback to the UFC, which took place on Saturday night, held significant importance for him. However, what made the occasion truly special for Lapilus was the opportunity to fight in front of his fellow countrymen at the second-ever UFC event held in France.
Taylor Lapilus shared his deep appreciation for the unique feeling of competing and emerging victorious in front of a home crowd, a sentiment he wished every fighter could experience. He emphasized the significance of the enthusiastic audience he had just fought in front of.
Lapilus also reflected on the challenging journey he had undertaken leading up to the fight. He acknowledged that it had been one of the most demanding training camps he had ever experienced, marked by significant struggles. However, he viewed this journey as more than just a triumph in the octagon. It represented a victory over the adversity and difficulties he had faced throughout the preparation process. Lapilus expressed immense pride in overcoming those challenges, underscoring that this aspect of his journey was what mattered most to him.
What do you think of this sweet revenge from Lapilus? Let us know in the comments!
