The headline bout for Full Contact Contender (FCC) 9 has been confirmed as Brendan Loughnane (6-1) defends the pro lightweight title against challenger Jason Cooledge (10-5). The event takes place in the Premier Suite at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on March. 22.

FCC officials recently announced the bout.

FCC 9 will also feature a matchup between Ashley ‘The Beast’ Reese and Kris Leeson, who will battle for the amateur lightweight title. Also, middleweight fighter Ant Bailey makes his pro debut against James Bray, and Callum Brady defends the amateur welterweight title against Ian Buckley.

Tickets start at £30 standard, £45-65 cage side reserved, £650 VIP cage side table (seats up to ten, includes two course meal). Cage side and VIP seating includes assess to a private bar and waitress service. Highlights from the event are expected to air on Sky’s My Channel at a later date.

Here is what FCC promoter Adam Teh had to say:

“We’re incredibly excited to be kicking-of our 2014 campaign after what has been an incredible two years for Full Contact Contender. We knew we had to pull something big out of the bag for our first event of the year, and I’m really happy to have Brendan and Jason throwing down for the FCC title in one of our headline bouts. Jason is known for his takedown defence, while Brendan’s wrestling is of an exceptional level; this really is anyone’s to win. We’re not about putting on one-sided fights, so as the saying goes, may the best man win!”

Brendan Loughnane last fought at FCC 7 in September 2013, where he scored a unanimous decision victory over Tim Close. Prior to that he dropped a decision loss to Mike Wilkinson at UFC on FX 6 in December 2012, that loss snapped a five fight winning streak Brendan had been on, defeating notable fighters such as Danny Welsh and Jordan Miller. Loughnane now has the chance to start a new winning streak with a good performance on March. 22.

Meanwhile, Jason Cooledge is currently riding a two fight winning streak, most recently defeating Paul Rocha via unanimous decision at Shock’n'Awe 15 in November 2013. Prior to that he submitted Shahid Hussain in round two of their matchup at Heat Sports 1 in October 2013. Jason’s most recent loss was at Cage Warriors 57 in July 2013, where he suffered a first found submission against Saul Rogers. “The Animal” now has the chance to extend his winning streak to three by defeating Loughnane at FCC 9.

The current FCC 9 fight card is below:

FCC Pro Lightweight Title: Brendan Loughnane vs Jason Coolidge

Professional Showcase Bouts:

- Ant Baily vs James Bray
- Mick Gerrard vs Aaron Aby
- Kane Mousah vs TBA

Unified Amateur Title Bouts:

- Lightweight: Ashley Reese (c) vs Kris Leeson
- Welterweight: Calum Brady (c) vs Ian Buckley
- Bantamweight (vacant): Javonne Morisson vs Sam Spencer

Unified Amateur Bouts:

- Bantamweight title eliminator: Ben Deaden vs Carl Burton
- Rick Mawdsley vs Neill Smith
- Jack Cartwright vs Jason Jacques

*Card subject to change, more bouts to be confirmed*

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