PFL Belfast delivered a thrilling night of action on Thursday, with Irish fighters taking center stage and seasoned veterans making powerful statements in the cage. The event has reshaped several divisions, leaving us with some must-see matchups to book next.
In the main event, Clay Collard showcased his relentless pressure and durability, outlasting former champion Olivier Aubin-Mercier in a grueling five-round battle. This signature win solidifies Collard as a top contender in the lightweight division. The logical next step is a title eliminator against the surging Brent Primus, who is riding a wave of momentum. A clash between Collard's volume striking and Primus's elite grappling would be a fan-friendly fight with major playoff implications.
Meanwhile, Brendan Loughnane returned to his devastating best with a first-round knockout of Pedro Carvalho. After a surprising loss last season, Loughnane's performance was a stark reminder of his championship pedigree. To truly re-enter the title conversation, he needs a high-profile win. A showdown with fellow striker Gabriel Braga, who also secured a decisive victory recently, would be a striking masterclass and a clear number-one contender fight at featherweight.
In a pivotal light heavyweight bout, Rob Wilkinson got back in the win column with a dominant decision over Tom Breese. As a former champion, Wilkinson's path should lead back to the top. With champion Impa Kasanganay potentially moving up, the division needs a new king. Booking Wilkinson against the hard-hitting Josh Silveira, who also won at Belfast, creates a perfect title fight between a powerful wrestler and a dangerous finisher to crown the next 205-pound champ.
