THE MAIN EVENT at this Saturday’s UFC Dublin event has been cancelled.
Donegal lightweight Joseph Duffy was due to fight Dustin Poirier in the headline bout at the 3Arena, but the 27-year-old will not be risked after suffering a mild concussion.
Having already been promoted to the co-main event after Stipe Miocic’s injury, Dubliner Paddy Holahan and Louis Smolka will now contest three rounds in the final fight of the night.
A statement released by the UFC tonight reads:
“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.”
Duffy himself also posted a short statement to Instagram:
Sure Huggins prob has a few quid in Wiiliams anyway
@Brian Les: Are they even real people?
Great final, and delighted that Williams won. Nice guy as well, and hard to believe that it’s 15 years since he won his last final beating our Ken.
@Aging Lothario: Ken Barlow?
Great game. Williams showed some bottle in that last frame having missed a pink for the match in the previous frame. Delighted for him, likeable guy also.
Delighted for him. Great champion.
Fair play Mark Williams! Absolutely chuffed. Inspirational ! Brilliant final.
Hope he goes to on to win it! Looking good at the moment
He arrived with a towel on to the press conference too as promised haha
Delighted for him!
More entertaining than most MNF as sky called it