'Everything lined up' for Kelly against Wilson

Moville's Darragh Kelly says "everything has lined up" as he prepares to headline Thursday's PFL card at Belfast's SSE Arena.

The unbeaten lightweight steps in to face New Zealand's Jay Jay Wilson in the main event following the withdrawal of Paul Hughes through injury.

While Kelly expressed disappointment for Hughes after open workouts at Victoria Square on Wednesday, he is determined to seize the opportunity on home soil.

"It's very unfortunate for Paul, my heart goes out to him, but it's fallen to me now," Kelly told BBC Sport NI.

"I'm just excited and grateful. It doesn't get bigger than this for me. It feels like everything I've done in MMA has lined up for this moment."

The Straight Blast Gym fighter takes on number seven-ranked lightweight Wilson and expects a demanding contest as he seeks to climb the rankings.

"We know what he brings, very dangerous and unorthodox, but we've found holes in his game," he added.

"I'm not going in expecting a finish like my usual fights. I'm prepared for three hard rounds, a real war.

"A win over Jay Jay and then one more, surely I'm in contention."

Kelly also welcomed the increasing number of recognised former UFC fighters joining the PFL, including Rhys McKee and Caolan Loughran.

"It's brilliant for the sport and brilliant for PFL," he added.

"The more high-level names with big support, the more eyes we get on it.

" Local MMA's booming at the moment. From north to south, there are big prospects everywhere, and in the next few years, it's only going to get stronger."

Loughran 'feeling the pressure' before Belfast bout - Philpott

Meanwhile, Alan Philpott says he will use any perceived pressure on County Tyrone's Caolan Loughran to his advantage when they meet in the PFL Belfast prelims.

Although both are usually compete at bantamweight, they have agreed to meet at featherweight for this bout.

The 33-year-old played down Loughran's admission he'd be "finished" if defeated, suggesting they reflect his opponent's mindset heading into the bout.

"He's just trying to make it something it's not," Philpott said.

"He knows he's got a hard fight, and that's his way of building confidence."

Philpott believes he has the edge and can capitalise on any uncertainty following Loughran's debut defeat to Jack Cartwright last October.

He senses his opponent is "one foot in, one foot out" and intends to "take advantage" of that uncertainty.

Victory over Loughran, who compiled a 2-2 record in the UFC before leaving to sign with the PFL in May 2025, would represent a significant milestone.

"It would be unreal, big name to take," he added.

"I believe I'm the better fighter. Now it's time to prove what I'm capable of."

The Ballymena man is one of several local fighters featuring on the card and says representing his hometown alongside Rhys McKee adds extra motivation.

"It's unbelievable. I'm carrying the flag for Ballymena," he said.

"And it's brilliant for local fighters to perform on home soil – that's what it's all about."