LOUGHRAN V ALVAREZ

UFR Management

EFR Fight Teams GREG 'HITMAN' LOUGHRAN has been rewarded for 10 wins out of his last 11 starts with a massive fight against EDDIE ALVAREZ at BELLATOR fighting championships in Miami Florida at the Hard Rock Live Arena on April 3rd

This is Gregs Second trip to the states,winning over the highly regarded Jonathan Brookins last time,massive fight for Greg and Irish mma

Tim_Murphy

WOW! that's big news.

War Greg!

David Jones

That is fantastic news for one of the hardest working fighters in Ireland. Well Done and best of luck Greg!

mark.leonard

Great stuff! Best of luck Greg. Nice coup for the artist formerly known as UFR Management too, a trip to Miami - do they need an announcer by any chance?

Jason Mc

Always good to see the irish lads do well for themselves.

Hope all goes well for him.

Dragan

Wow, great news. A win over Eddie should be the win that gets the UFC interested maybe?

Actually, does this mean Greg is in the Tournament????

Roper

Great news!

bella1

great news ,
best of luck from all at TEAM RYANO MMA

Dave Joyce

Fair play to ye Davy and wish Greg the best of luck. Some move on from small halls in Randalstown and Tyrone to Hard Rock in Miami. He really deserves the shot.

Martin Walker

Cracker!
Good luck dude.

Great news. He's always a gamer and so is Alvarez so their styles will make a helluva fight. Best of luck to Greg.

Pride Fighter

Wow, that is some coup. Best of luck.

Pride Fighter

Here is a link to their roster http://www.bellator.com/fighters.html

Loughran must be announcement coming at 155lbs.

Kent Brockman

While this is great news for Greg and for Irish MMA in general I'm just wondering if any of you that know the fighters involved and the fight game think Greg has a realistic chance of winning this?

_oveless

Kent Brockman wrote: »

While this is great news for Greg and for Irish MMA in general I'm just wondering if any of you that know the fighters involved and the fight game think Greg has a realistic chance of winning this?

He didn't win 10 out of his last 11 fights by luck, Greg is known for his workrate and has a great team he has every chance.

ginoginelli

Wow thats one hell of a step up in competition. Hopefully can pull off the upset..

Best of luck Greg.

Colm_OReilly

Best of luck Greg.

dunkamania

I hope Greg didnt have to give up to much to sign up with Bellator

Bellator apparently try things not even the UFC will do. From MMA Payout.

One area of the ancillary agreement that is raising the ire of fighter advocates and mangers is a clause that has Bellator reserving the right to register as a trademark the fighter’s name, stage name, or identity for the purposes of Bellator carrying out their promotional duties. This sort of arrangement hearkens almost to the type of deals prevalent in the WWE, where the company holds trademarks over the performers stagenames and likenesses. As jaded as MMA reps are at this point by the contractual grabbiness of Zuffa contracts, this clause is seen in some quarters as being beyond the pale, which takes some doing.

The standard term is 36 months or eight bouts, whichever comes first. The contract also has a clause that states that if a fighter is declared champion of his division, wins a tournament or is a tournament runner-up, the contract automatically extends by 18 months or three fights. This is almost a self-fulfilling talent retention process, with the the talent being locked in for longer terms as they achieve within the organization. While not strictly analogous to the UFC’s champion clause, it serves some of the same intents, ie binding the fighter to organization over and above the original term of the contract.

Martin Walker

dunkamania wrote: »

I hope Greg didnt have to give up to much to sign up with Bellator

Bellator apparently try things not even the UFC will do. From MMA Payout.

One area of the ancillary agreement that is raising the ire of fighter advocates and mangers is a clause that has Bellator reserving the right to register as a trademark the fighter’s name, stage name, or identity for the purposes of Bellator carrying out their promotional duties. This sort of arrangement hearkens almost to the type of deals prevalent in the WWE, where the company holds trademarks over the performers stagenames and likenesses. As jaded as MMA reps are at this point by the contractual grabbiness of Zuffa contracts, this clause is seen in some quarters as being beyond the pale, which takes some doing.

The standard term is 36 months or eight bouts, whichever comes first. The contract also has a clause that states that if a fighter is declared champion of his division, wins a tournament or is a tournament runner-up, the contract automatically extends by 18 months or three fights. This is almost a self-fulfilling talent retention process, with the the talent being locked in for longer terms as they achieve within the organization. While not strictly analogous to the UFC’s champion clause, it serves some of the same intents, ie binding the fighter to organization over and above the original term of the contract.

BLAH BLAH BLAH...............
Good Luck Greg.

Dragan

Martin Walker wrote: »

BLAH BLAH BLAH...............
Good Luck Greg.

Indeed, i mean, who worries about careers?

_oveless

The details of the contract are probably under wraps until or after the fight (not sure how the legal wrangling works) but hopefully he got a fair deal.

Martin Walker

Dragan wrote: »

Indeed, i mean, who worries about careers?

Im pretty sure the EFR management team will worry about Gregs Career.

Kent Brockman

_oveless wrote: »

He didn't win 10 out of his last 11 fights by luck, Greg is known for his workrate and has a great team he has every chance.

Yeah, I got the 10/11 bit, but my question was more about the level of competition/competitors that each fighter has competed against.(After all Tom was undefeated going in to Ufc)

It is a genuine question as I really dont know the answer to(Sherdog records can only tell you so much), and was looking from some insight from people who know more about the 2 fighters than I do.

I hope Greg wins but am just wondering if this is another of those oppertunitys that has to be taken when it arrives, rather than when the fighter is ready?(question not statement)
Again I'm only asking and intend no offence

_oveless

Kent Brockman wrote: »

(After all Tom was undefeated going in to Ufc)

No offense to Tom Egan but he was very green compared to Loughran, who's had 30 fights (according to mma universe). I really think mma in Ireland both north and south is developing at such a rate where fights like this are acheiveable and winnable for the top guys/girls here.

Martin Walker

Martin Walker wrote: »

BLAH BLAH BLAH...............
Good Luck Greg.

I don't see how talking about the Bellator contracts in a thread about a fight taking place in a Bellator event constitutes a blah blah blah comment to be honest?


Of all the fighters on the Irish circuit, Greg Loughran is the most deserving of a big fight given not only his record but his style.

roo1981

Good luck to Greg-this is a HUGE fight for him, Alverez is one of the top prospects outside the UFC. If he can pull it off it will be a massive win.

Kent, Gregs been fighting for years now and anything I've heard about him has been good-I think he had a very close scrap with Arni at one of the Ring of Truths a few years ago if anyones got it to youtube up (I may be wrong, I couldnt find it on his records..). He was due to fight Abdul Mohamed for the Cage Rage WW title soon after that, but the fight was called off when Abdul got cut or something...so he's been under the radar for years, its great to see him get a break.

As for the contract situation, I guess its a case of damned if you do, damned if you dont. Same as the UFC really-look at Rashad and Forrest. Their both big names now, but they fought off those poxy TUF contracts for their first 10-15 fights. If you dont sign the contract, you wont get the chance, simple as. Saying that, I'd hope theres some buy out clauses in Gregs should the need arise.

Kent Brockman

roo1981 wrote: »

I think he had a very close scrap with Arni at one of the Ring of Truths a few years ago if anyones got it to youtube up (I may be wrong, I couldnt find it on his records..)

You're right. I was ringside, great fight, controversial (read 'hometown' lol) decision for Arni. Noticed it is not on either record
Arni dominated on the ground in the first, Greg won on the feet in the 2nd and although it was a close 3rd round alot of people gave it to Greg and he certainly did alot more damage to Arni's face.(Well thats how I remember it)

Also seen Greg on The fight Network years ago,was on his back and seemed to be dominated but survived well and then won by Guillotine-very impressive, good work rate and composure under pressure and then won:D

dunkamania

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/3/23/808316/bellator-fc-lightweight-mi

Complete brackets for the tournaments are up.
First fight is against Alvarez, and then hopefully, the winner of Thomas Schulte, and Ivan Iberico.

t-ha

"While this is great news for Greg and for Irish MMA in general I'd just like to bring on a downer." :pac:

WAR GREG!

kainer2

I can't believe people are on here complaining about the Bellator contracts. Whenever you fight for a big org you have to sign a contract like that which covers image rights, contract extensions, champion clauses and right of first refusal.

Fact is greg is taking a big step-up but i think he will impress yet again in Florida and would anyone else really turn down this opportunity to fight on US TV in a fantastic venue for an organisation that is promising to do a lot fo the sport? Or would you rather fight in a local village hall where no-one will see you for 30 Euro?

I'm sure the guys who sorted this deal out know what they are on about and having seen a Bellator Contract first hand, it really is no different than signing a UFC, EXC or other Major org contract

kainer2

PS WAR Greg !!!!!

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/wrestling-wwe-ufc-mma/2009/03/bellator-presents-chance-of-a.html

dunkamania

kainer2 wrote: »

I can't believe people are on here complaining about the Bellator contracts. Whenever you fight for a big org you have to sign a contract like that which covers image rights, contract extensions, champion clauses and right of first refusal.
....
I'm sure the guys who sorted this deal out know what they are on about and having seen a Bellator Contract first hand, it really is no different than signing a UFC, EXC or other Major org contract

I think you are mistaking concern for complaining. It is very difficult for MMA fighters to break into the big leagues, and we are all fully behind Greg. Having never seen a MMA contract before, I am clearly no expert, but I am guessing that unless you are a big name, the promoter, especially the larger ones call the shots. That being said, I dont doubt that EFR have done their diligence and all parties are happy with the terms of the deal.

Kent Brockman

t-ha wrote: »

"While this is great news for Greg and for Irish MMA in general I'd just like to bring on a downer." :pac:

Don't think its quite the same really.....

Kent Brockman wrote: »

While this is great news for Greg and for Irish MMA in general I'm just wondering if any of you that know the fighters involved and the fight game think Greg has a realistic chance of winning this?

Try changing the names and the sport and see if my question would be met with such negativity?

Fozzy

In all honesty, it looks like Belator consider Greg to be the least likely fighter in the tournament to beat Alvarez. I'm not judging him here, I don't know how he compares to most of the other fighters as I haven't seen them all. But Belator is being broadcast for the Hispanic audience and Eddie Alvarez is one of the most successful Hispanic fighters (definitely their biggest star), so it's in their best interests to have him go through here

dunkamania

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/4/2/820391/all-fighters-except-one-weighed-in

Fozzy

dunkamania wrote: »

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/4/2/820391/all-fighters-except-one-weighed-in

Alvarez looks a lot thicker than Greg. Would Greg have even cut weight for this fight?

From reading the comments, it looks like we'll be able to watch an English language broadcast of the show from next Wednesday on the Belator site. I wasn't sure if I'd watch their shows, but if it's that easy then I probably will

Roper

A tan will do that for you! Also Greg has maybe 3/4 inches on him. I love watching Greg he's a smashing fighter and I hope he brings home the bacon.

thebandit01

Greg can do this. I was training with him every day b4 he went. He hits hard!!!! And he will hit eddie even harder!!!! Bring it home to the EFR mate...We are all behind you best of luck.....;);););)

Fozzy

Alvarez won via guillotine choke at 2:44 of round one. Greg did drop him down to a knee with a punch before that, but Alvarez survived and took him down and submitted him

http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/alvarez-masvidal-advance-in-bellator-tourney-16856

calex71

Too bad for Loughran, but still great to see any Irish lad compete on the bigger stages

t-ha

Too bad for Greg - still though, dropping a guy like Alvarez must be a good advertisement for him for future high-level bouts?

Also, can someone tell me how he (alvarez) got up there in that pic?!!

calex71

Yeah, hard luck to greg.

calex71 wrote: »

It must tough fighting someone who can fly

roo1981

t-ha wrote: »

Too bad for Greg - still though, dropping a guy like Alvarez must be a good advertisement for him for future high-level bouts?

Also, can someone tell me how he (alvarez) got up there in that pic?!!

I'd agree, dropping Alverez is no joke, fair play to Greg

I would have thought he was being sucked up by some giant (possibly alien)vacuum cleaner device in the roof..

dlofnep

Here's the video of the fight: http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x8vpry

I thought Greg fought very well. He should be proud of himself and his camp should be proud of themselves. That was a spirited performance against a top 5 lightweight who has beaten the likes of Hansen and Kawajiri.

jughead202

as far as i hear he stood up on the cage and done a back flip lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

David Jones

Great performance, it looked like Alvarez didnt want to trade after first few minutes. Greg definitely came to bang and didnt look fazed at all, although with 30 plus fights you would expect that. I hope this gets him more opportunities, he has definitely worked hard enough, and its a pity Dana et al havent noticed thusfar.

calex71

thanks for the video , the result on paper didnt do him justice

Kent Brockman

WoW! fair play to Greg. My original concerns seem a bit misplaced now!
He really looked like he belonged there and was doing very well on his feet, looked a nasty Guill.. Gillit... Choke:rolleyes: Hopefully this will open a few doors for Greg after all he could have won it on the feet.

MartyMcFly84

Well done to Greg! def had Eddie rocked! the commentators just kept saying in spanish over and over how dangerous Greg was, and had really soild n crisp boxing technique(hands of stone) and kicks!

Nothingcompares

Eddie Alverez is probably on everyone's top 10 lw list in the world and greg took it to him. Eddie's wrestling got him out of a hole but greg looked awesome up to that point. I'd say the bellator guys were on the edge of their seats watching their no 1 fighter get dropped. well done greg and efr.