Manchester’s world champion launches free weekly MMA classes for young people in Moss Side

2022 PFL Featherweight World Champion Brendan Loughnane, hailing from Withington, Manchester, has always credited mixed martial arts (MMA) with shaping his life both inside and outside the cage.

Now, the world-class fighter is channeling his passion for the sport into a powerful initiative aimed at inspiring the next generation.

In partnership with Moss Side Powerhouse, Brendan has launched free weekly MMA sessions for young people across Manchester, offering them not just training but a pathway to discipline, focus, and personal growth.

Brendan officially kicked off the initiative on August 8th at the Moss Side Powerhouse, where he led the first session for 13-18-year-olds from the community.

The sessions, designed to be more than just physical training, provide participants with a free MMA kit, symbolizing a commitment to equip them with the tools they need to succeed in life.

Brendan understands firsthand how the sport can be a transformative force, and he’s determined to pass that gift on.

Free sessions will  be run weekly on Saturday afternoons by Brendan’s coach and local community champion, Ant Mousah.

Brendan will also run sessions when he’s not in training camps.

We sat down with Brendan to discuss why he had set up these training sessions.

How has MMA influenced your personal development, both inside and outside the cage?

I believe that mixed martial arts has made me the man I am today.

It’s given me discipline among a variety of life traits.

It’s kept me in line, kept me on the straight and narrow, kept me focussed, and I firmly believe I owe my life to MMA.

How do you believe MMA, can empower young people and provide them with opportunities for growth and development?

I believe it can pass on what has been passed to me.

Discipline, focus, something to work for, a goal, something that keeps you in shape.

I think adding MMA is the best thing that could happen to Powerhouse for the younger generation.

What advice would you give to the young people here today who might be facing their own challenges and aspirations?

For any young fighters up and coming, I’d say just keep going.

You’ve got to turn up every week.

I’ve already seen the interest from young girls at Powerhouse that want to keep coming back and it’s amazing to see, they’re enthusiastic and have the type of energy you need to bring to each session.

Belief, desire, focus and discipline will take you far.

How important is it for you to give back to the community, and what does it mean to be involved with initiatives like Powerhouse?

It’s important for me to give back, I’ve been given so much by this community.

Everybody has supported me on this rise, and now it’s my time to give back.

I’m extremely and eternally grateful.

The plan is to find the next Brendan Loughnane, and keep MMA in Manchester growing.

You can find out more about what’s happening at the Moss Side Powerhouse by clicking here