Tim Close

The main event for Full Contact Contender 7 has been confirmed as former Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes contestant Brendan Loughnane (5-1) faces Tim Close (6-3) in a battle for the FCC lightweight title. The event is set to take place at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, England, on September 7th.

FCC officials recently confirmed the bout via press release.

Full Contact Contender 7 will also feature a bout between Javonne Morrison and Danny Randalph, who will engage in an amateur bantamweight battle. Meanwhile, light heavyweight MMA fighter Luke Taylor has been forced to withdraw from his scheduled bout against James Walker. Officials have confirmed that the promotion is currently looking for a replacement.

Brendan Loughnane last fought at UFC on FX 6 in December 2012, where he dropped a unanimous decision loss against Mike Wilkinson. Prior to that he had been on a five fight winning streak, defeating notable fighters such as Dave Straughton, Jordan Miller and Danny Welsh. Loughnane now has the chance to bounce back into the win column with a good performance against Close.

Tim Close was last in action at Made for the Cage 10 in May, where he dropped a first round submission loss against Marcin Wrzosek. Prior to that he had been on a six fight winning streak, picking up back-to-back wins over Nathan Thompson, followed by a first round submission victory over Mark Aldridge at Total Combat 43 in October 2011. Tim also did extremely well during 2012, defeating Craig Allen, Dean Malham and Otso Kataja. Close will no doubt look to return to that form with a big win over Loughnane in September.

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