Cathal Pendred: 'If you learn from defeat, it's not a failure'

The UFC welterweight suffered a big loss last night in Dublin.

CATHAL PENDRED HAS tasted back-to-back defeats for the first time in his career.

Cathal Pendred during his loss against Tom Breese. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Until this past July, Pendred was unbeaten in almost five years. However, the Irish welterweight has now lost two in succession after being stopped via TKO in the first round of last night’s bout against Tom Breese at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin.

Despite starting his career in the UFC with four straight victories, Pendred was criticised for some underwhelming performances and his winning run was brought to an end when he lost to John Howard by split decision at UFC 189 in Las Vegas earlier this year.

The Straight Blast Gym product was aiming to rebound from that defeat last night at the 3Arena when he faced Breese, but the undefeated 24-year-old Englishman enhanced his reputation as a fighter with a promising future by delivering a clinical performance.

Breese, a southpaw, regularly found a home for his left hand on Pendred’s face, leaving his opponent bloodied early on. He hurt the Dubliner with a powerful body kick and then finished the job with punches after 4:37 of the opening frame.

Following two straight losses, many believe that Pendred — who was unbeaten in 12 fights before he met John Howard — could now be in danger of being cut from the UFC’s roster.

However, it appears that the Irish fighter has no intention of throwing in the towel. Pendred wasn’t available to speak to the media after last night’s fight but he took to Twitter today to give his reaction to the result.

“I’ve a few bumps and bruises, but nothing hurts more than my pride. But if you learn from defeat, it’s not failure. Thanks for the support,” said Pendred. “Congrats to Tom Breese, that was an incredible performance and he is going to go very far in this game.”