22-year-old BAMMA Featherweight Champion Tom DuQuesnoy (10-1) believes that his dominance of the UK based promotion will be a significant draw for bringing in global contenders from around the world.
Following speculation that the ‘Fire Kid’ was UFC bound, the young Frenchman signed a fresh deal with BAMMA and will face Ultimate Fighter veteran Brendan Loughnane (10-1) in a highly anticipated bout when BAMMA ventures to Dublin, Ireland for the first time on September 19.
In a interview with BAMMA, Duquesnoy said: “I decided to re-sign with BAMMA for four fights since it answers my expectations. My opponents will be more and more interesting and with a landmark, evolutionary contract it answers my needs inside and outside the cage.
“Opponents will flock from everywhere, everyone wants the belt and it forces me to be constantly
evolving. In this sense, I will take on all challengers who challenge me in the cage and are useful from a media point of view.”
DuQuesnoy has dominated BAMMA with three victories since his British debut in 2013, and has only ever been defeated by Finland’s Makwan Amirkhani; the UFC’s latest European sensation.
In contrast, Manchester native Brendan Loughnane is also on a tear with five victories following his sole loss in the UFC to fellow Brit Mike Wilkinson, and following demand for the match-up to be made, he will challenge DuQuesnoy in one of BAMMA’s most anticipated title fights of recent times.
In preparation, DuQuesnoy has relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA for two months to train with the famed Jackson-Winkeljohn camp, known for hosting the likes of Georges St. Pierre, Rashad Evans and Jon Jones. DuQuesnoy will then return to Paris to complete his training.
“I think Brendan has experience and he will come in top shape to take the belt in September. I am already ready and I will continue training to achieve a higher level for this fight,” said Duquesnoy.
“I am eager to discover Ireland and the Dublin public,” he added. “As in England, they have fighting spirit and respect for the fighters.”
BAMMA 22 takes place on 13 September at the 3 Arena, Dublin. Tickets are on sale now at: http://bit.ly/BAMMA22
Photo by Jorden Curran
