Joseph Duffy concussion leads to cancellation of UFC Dublin’s headline fight

By Stephen Barry

The main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Dublin has been cancelled after Joseph Duffy was ruled out through injury.

The Donegal native suffered a mild concussion in training this week and, after precautionary tests, Duffy received a medical suspension.

That means his fight with Dustin Poirier, which was to be the headline event at the 3Arena, will be rescheduled with Paddy Holohan’s bout against Louis Smolka stepping up to headline status.

“Obviously I’m absolutely gutted, I really wanted that fight and felt sharp in training,” said Duffy, via his Instagram account.

Here’s the UFC’s announcement of the news in full:

“Due to a medical issue involving UFC lightweight Joe Duffy, the new main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT in Ireland on Saturday will be a three-round bout featuring hometown hero Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka.

“Having learned that Duffy received a strike to the head during training earlier this week, UFC sent him for medical tests in Ireland for precautionary purposes. The results determined that Duffy suffered a mild concussion and due to the proximity of the fight this Saturday UFC will not permit him to compete.

“The health and safety of UFC athletes will continue to be the top priority for the organization. As such, UFC has respected standard athletic commission regulations, which recommend a medical suspension from competition as a result of the concussion.

“Duffy’s original opponent, Dustin Poirier, will be rescheduled for another event. Fans seeking ticket refunds as a result of the main event changes can do so through Ticketmaster at the point of purchase.”