HEADLINING AN EVENT in his own country was the perfect scenario for Joe Duffy, but fighting on a pay-per-view card at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas isn’t a bad alternative.
Duffy was scheduled to face Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin just ten days ago. However, the Donegal native was withdrawn by UFC officials on medical grounds after it emerged that he sustained a concussion in training a week before the bout was due to take place at the 3Arena.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for the highly-regarded lightweight. Having only joined the UFC earlier this year, being billed as the main attraction for a sold-out event on Irish soil was the stuff of dreams for the 27-year-old.
It wasn’t meant to be for Duffy, but he’ll eventually get the chance to test himself against Poirier on 2 January, with the pair scheduled for a belated battle at UFC 195. Tomorrow, Duffy will return to Montreal — where he’s now based — to begin his preparations, having spent the past week-and-a-half with family and friends on this side of the Atlantic.
“It was a hard few days before the fight was supposed to happen, but with the date lined up I can get right back into it. As soon as the date is lined up again it gives you something to focus on,” Duffy told The42 today as he reflected on his Dublin disappointment.
“After the fights are over you always get this kind of empty feeling. You don’t know what to do with yourself. Having the date makes it easier for me to get stuck into it again when I head back tomorrow.”
Duffy’s not overjoyed at the prospect of missing out on his Christmas Day dinner and dessert while he cuts his weight for a fight that will take place eight days later, but if that’s what’s required to ensure that he still has the opportunity to catapult himself into the 155lbs division’s rankings, it’s a sacrifice he’s more than willing to make.
“I worked over Christmas for my dad one year and it was for good money, but I said ‘never again’ afterwards,” he said. “Cutting weight over Christmas won’t be fun but I’m just glad to have a chance to get my head back into training.
“The fact that the fight is in Vegas kind of softened the blow as well. To fight in Ireland would have been top-drawer, but there won’t be another event in Ireland for the coming months so Vegas isn’t a bad wee change.”
It was a blow Duffy sustained in his very final sparring session at Montreal’s Tristar Gym which resulted in the postponement of the bout against Poirier. In spite of a measure of criticism that was subsequently levelled at Duffy and his team, the former Cage Warriors star insists that they wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Duffy: “It was just an accident, really. I always try to keep things the same leading up to every fight. If you’re trying to be too careful I find that you’ll end up getting injured anyway, because you’re not doing things as you normally would.
“Even if it had happened weeks earlier — within 30 days — I still wouldn’t have been able to fight anyway.
“You can’t stop sparring for four weeks before the fight so it wouldn’t have made any difference. It was just tough, given that I had gone through the whole camp and it happened in the last spar.
“It’s not something I’ve experienced before. I think the only time I had to pull out of a fight before was when I was signed for The Ultimate Fighter, so it was a new thing for me. I was getting a bit of flak but I expected it.
“People paid good money and — looking at it from a positive point of view — they were looking forward to the fight. There was always going to be a bit of flak but you’ve got to have a thick skin in this game and take the good with the bad.”
Some of that criticism came from UFC interim featherweight champion Conor McGregor, one of Duffy’s former opponents. McGregor was quick to express his thoughts via Twitter after news of Duffy’s withdrawal emerged, which has only served to increase the rivalry between the two Irish stars.
“That didn’t surprise me in the least,” said Duffy. “Any opportunity Conor gets to have a little dig, he’s going to have one. We know what his beef is. He’s still got that thorn in his side over me beating him.
“If Conor is willing to kick a man when he’s down it says more about him than it does about me. As always, I’ll leave him to it and do my own thing. His opinion doesn’t really matter. I don’t really care what he has to say.
“It’s only a matter of time before all this stuff comes back to bite him in the ass. If we fight, I’ll do my talking in the octagon. I’ll prove it on the night, not on Twitter.”
Duffy’s opponent, Dustin Poirier, was equally disappointed that the fight didn’t go ahead. However, Duffy says that there are no hard feelings between the pair and that they’re both relieved that the fight will eventually take place — albeit 10 weeks behind schedule.
Duffy: “I spoke to Dustin. He’s a true pro. He knows the fight game, he’s been around it for a long time. I explained the situation to him and he was quite excited to get the fight rescheduled as well. I’m thankful to Dustin that we’ve managed to do that.”
Instead of taking centre stage in the octagon at UFC Dublin, Duffy watched the action from his ringside seat. That’s when the disappointment of the events of earlier that week really began to hit home.
“That was probably the hardest bit,” he admitted. “Sitting there on the night and you can hear the fans, the noise and how intense it was, it was difficult because I knew I should have been a part of it instead of watching it.
“I was really looking forward to hearing my song and walking out into the arena — really looking forward to it – and that’s before we even mention the fight, so that was tough.”
Joe Duffy faces Dustin Poirier at UFC 195 on 2 January. Better late than never.
Ringrose was solid against Munster . Skinning a second row and stepping inside an open side who was covering 2 players doesn’t make him a starter against Wales as some are suggesting . Step back and give the lad time .
Agree 100%, he looks to have potential but needs to earn a regular starting spot at Leinster first. To be fair he is going about that well.
To be fair that’s not ALL he did. His tackling technique looks really solid and he’s good at chopping players down, whereas Sexton goes too high too often. He was also standing out wide, arm up, screaming for the ball. I really don’t get the conservatism though. If Schmidt and the management think he can do it, then out him bloody in. Same goes for any Ulster back.
What planet are you on , this kid has not even played a full ECC game yet , he scored a very good try in the first 3 minutes against which is now a very average munster side, what did he do in the last 77 minutes that warrants an international starting spot ? What do you think will happen when he comes up against Lesley fofana, Jamie Roberts , do you or anyone else realize the step up to international level? He plays 1 half decent game and straight away he is a starting Irish international in some Leinster fans eyes , if he is this good how come he didn’t start against toulon ? I will tell you why and Leo Cullen knows it too , he would have been pulverized by bastuerau a co and that’s a fact , so if Leo won’t start him against a very strong club side what chance will he have playing against a country , he
is a great prospect but he will need to play a bit more top level club rugby before he takes the next big step up , good luck to the young man
I stopped reading after you said he scored a really good try. He didn’t. It probably didnt get any better after. As for your crap before that, I didn’t say I’d start him. I said if Schmidt and the management think……. If I was picking the team, I’d have McCloskey there, but I’m not picking the team.
Agree, McCloskey has been knocking on them door of the squad for much longer
It’s experience that Ringrose needs. Throw him into the firing pan!
Please god let heenan get through this game unscathed and get a decent run without injury. The poor lad has been plagued!!
Great to see Heenan back
All this talk about henshaw leaving I’d be more worried about pat lam, his stock must be sky high right now I’m sure offers will be on the table soon
Been over this chestnut. Seemingly he has already resigned
Re-signed or resigned? Bit of a difference
Re-signed, check the Galway papers.
Ringrose should start every game at 13 with Fitzgerald at 12. No need to play and develop Te’o any further given he’s leaving in the summer. If Cullen was smart he’d try build a starting XV with a lot of young players who will be the next generation of Leinster & Irish rugby : Moore , Furlong , McGrath, L.McGrath , Ringrose , Van Der Flier , Ruddock , Molony etc
I’d rather win the league with the best team available and let the young players that are good enough fight for a shirt and if playing well keep the shirt.
Fitzgerald could probably do with a rest. He has been excellent this season but he does have fitness worries. Although, I’d be happier to see him play tomorrow and sit out meaningless European games
IMO henshaw staying at Connacht is the best for everyone. Grows the game in Connacht and attracts more youth players in the Connacht branch who want to become the next henshaw and increases ticket sales much to the benefit of the irfu, and with ringrose coming through Leinster won’t be hard pushed for a 13 in years to come. Connacht can become seriously competitive in the pro 12 as well so henshaw wouldn’t need to leave for success if he really wants it, he’ll do his best to bring it to Connacht.
What most people don’t seem to want to consider is what’s best for henshaw? What does he want?
If he wants to compete at the sharp end of European competition, then he’s going to have to move somewhere. Despite their terrible start this year, Leinster have a much stronger panel of players then Connacht. Just hope his head isn’t turned by big offers from England and/or France.
Absolutely Chris. Has the OP actually asked Henshaw what he wants to do? Maybe…..just maybe….he wants to play for Leinster!!!!
Henshaw had ruled out a move off the island
It’s Leinster or Connacht at this stage
Possibly a one extension at Connacht would be best for all concerned?
That’s good news at least reg
What some Leinster fans don’t seem to want to consider is why any smart player from the provinces would want to sign for a club that is clearly going through a transitional period.
But sure what difference does that make? If Henshaw wants to come, that’s all that matters. Should we say to him, “look, we’re flattered by your interest, but we are in transition now and think you shouldn’t come. “
I think people seem to be missing that subtle, but important point, when it comes to players transfering between provinces: ” What the player wants….” If Henshaw doesn’t want to move to Leinster he wont. If he does want to move to Leinster he will. Strikes me that he has already made up his mind and he will likely join Leinster in the near future. For better or worse it will be his decision.
There is a lot of potential for Ireland at the centre. Bundee Aki aims to play for Ireland, he admitted as much when he joined Connacht and he re-confirmed his desire just a few weeks ago.
Big fan of Henshaw, I think he’ll be awesome where ever he goes.
Does Henshaw actually want to go to Leinster that is an assumption or is it an open secret?
If henshaw moves to Leinster, then we can safely assume he wanted to go. If he stays at Connacht, then we can safely assume he wanted to stay. The player has the final decision. Why is this so hard to understand?
Because that is an assumption and not a fact.
Fitzgerald is being rested.
Happy to see McGrath starting. Hopefully Sexton can put in a performance worthy of his stature.
Prob Leinster’s best front five at the moment. Love Ruddock he will make a great captain for years to come. Big games needed out of Murphy, Sexton and the Kearneys but if they all show up Leinster should have too much at home.
Furlong > Moore
Ruddock will be a serious captain in years to come… He’s a purists no.6.. Hits a massive amount of rucks, get up the field to link play on breaks and very rarely lets anyone through in defence… One of the few standouts in the 2 Toulon games. Let’s just hope he gets enough rest to be fresh for the 6N.
Jordi Murphy must be feeling the pressure, His stock has plummeted since the World Cup . I even rate Dom Ryan as a better abrasive 6 then him.
Hopefully number 8 will suit him better
The Leinster back row pecking order should be:
6. Ruddock
Ryan
Murphy
7. O’Brien
Van Der Flier
Ruddock
Murphy
8. Conan
Heaslip
Murphy
O’Brien
John right up until you rated Conan above heaslip I shredded with you.
It pisses me off when people are always underrating heaslip. He is always solid and never gets injured. What more could you want!!
No I think number 8 has to be cj standers. All do Munster have been awful this year he has been the outstanding 8 in the country and probably the whole of the pro 12
The one thing to be admired about Heaslip is that he’s so injury free. I imagine that’s why the French clubs rate him so highly, he can play in far more games a season than any of his rivals.
Robbie he shaw will be able to get a good look at his new team . He will take over from teo . I wish he shaw was playing though
Wouldn’t it be poetic justice, if Connacht win and henshaw signs his new Connacht contract next week.
Is there a possibility that Henshaw ha been biding his time to see how the Connacht team is shaping up for net year
Previous announcements and now Healy signing on for 2 more years the team is looking more stable than it has in a long time
Henshaw would be foolish to leave now.
I do predict a lot more sponsorship deals coming his way if he is to stay at Connacht
I’d love if Henshaw stayed in Connacht but I’ve heard from a very reliable source that he’s gone “sale agreed” to Leinster.
Henshaw is staying at Connacht sure why would u want to move to Leinster or Munster when pat lamb is the best provincial coach in the country;!!
Competition in connachts back row is really going to heat up now heenan is back in contention
With a five day turnaround squad rotation was always going to be key. We are blessed with a quality squad and thankfully with few injuries. Back row was key in Thomond last week and this back row looks just as handy. Hopefully they go well (they will have to as they are up against one of the most under rated irish players, Muldoon). Hope too our defence is a good as against Munster last weekend. Connacht are plagued with injuries but they can still put out an impressive back line even without Henshaw. Hope the weather stay a bit calm as this has the makings of a cracker.
A very good Leinster squad but once again rotation for the sake of rotation. I’d rather pick your best side and make small adjustments here and there due to form, injury and rest.
Agreed. The team that started against Munster was as close to our best starting XV
MacGinty should probably be starting over Carty at this stage
Is Heaslip dropped altogether? I know plenty of people don’t rate him but I thought he put in one of his better displays againdt Munster.
Just being rested I imagine.