One fighter will lose his winning streak when French Bantamweight Taylor Lapilus returns to the Octagon against Irish debutant Caolán Loughran—the streaking pair clash in the featured prelim at UFC Paris after rebooking from their original opponents. UFC Paris takes place this weekend at the Accor Arena and is available on ESPN+. Lapilus is the favorite in the early odds.
MMA: UFC Bantamweight
Venue: Accor Arena, Paris, France
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 02.09.2023. 21.30
Taylor Lapilus
The 31-year-old makes a return to the UFC after a first tour of four fights between 2015 and 2016. The Frenchman had briefly tried his hands at pro boxing before returning to MMA. His return to the cage saw him win the Bantamweight strap in a couple of European-based promotions. Trained in grappling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, Lapilus is a well-rounded competitor. His record includes wins over Nate Maness - who he knocked out in the TKO promotion, Josh Hill and Wilson Reiss. Lapilus has never been knocked out or submitted.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 5’ 6”
- Reach: 73”
- Record: 18-3
Caolán Loughran
Recently crowned Cage Warriors Bantamweight champion is a highly regarded prospect in mixed martial arts. Unbeaten in eight pro fights, the powerful striker has five knockouts and three first-round finishes. Training out of Liverpool-based Team Kaobon, “The Don” is the fifth fighter from Ireland to be signed to the UFC, after Conor McGregor, Ian Garry, Shauna Bannon, and Rhys McKee.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 27
- Height: 5’ 6”
- Reach: N/A
- Record: 8-0
Betting Odds
Taylor Lapilus is priced at 1.58 odds to win on Bet365. A bet on the sportsbook for Caolán Loughran is available at 2.40. Bet9ja prices Lapilus to win at 1.56 and the underdog at 2.38 odds. Over 2.5 is priced at 1.56 on 1XBET, with the under available at 2.32 odds.