IRISH FIGHTER PADDY Holohan has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts with immediate effect.
In a statement released via his official Facebook page, Holohan said he has been forced to bring an end to his fighting career due to a rare blood disorder.
“I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII,” said the 27-year-old Dubliner. “I never disclosed it then or now, it came to the UFC’s attention from a third party and I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete.”
Holohan, who retires with a professional record of 12-2-1, was scheduled to fight Willie Gates at UFC Fight Night 87 in Rotterdam a week on Sunday. The bout was due to be Holohan’s first outing since he was submitted by Louis Smolka in the second round of last October’s main event at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin.
Training under John Kavanagh at Straight Blast Gym, Holohan tasted victory in the UFC on three occasions, including a spectacular debut against Josh Sampo in Dublin in July 2014 when he was victorious via first-round submission.
Holohan added: “Only 1 in 5 million people are diagnosed so I knew that it was so rare, organisations wouldn’t understand or take the chance with me as I have found out now, I never explained in full to John or my team the actual risks cause I didn’t think there was excess risk. It is a disorder that is only dangerous for me not my opponents.
“I really did see MMA as the way to have a real shot at life for myself and my family and it turns out I was right. I have mixed emotions about it: Proud because I always wore my heart on my sleeve, stood my ground, never cheated, never turned away from diversity or challenges and always strived to inspire and encourage people from all backgrounds.
“Sad because I will never make that walk again, under those lights, feeling all those uncomfortable yet life giving feelings as they count and you hear ‘walk walk walk’ staring into a camera, knowing millions are watching but most importantly the Irish are watching.
“I am also disappointed because people who have cheated within the sport due to PEDs etc putting their opponents in extra danger will fight again, whereas for me it’s a genetic 1 in 5 million disorder that stops me dead in my tracks. I really feel I was only turning the corner in my fight career and I still have so much more to give!”
Holohan is expected to open a branch of Straight Blast Gym in Tallaght later this year. UFC officials are in the process of securing a new opponent for Willie Gates for the 8 May card in Rotterdam.
Only 3 Fighters left out of 7, The takeover is falling apart.
He didn’t have the X Factor of other fighters anyway.
How is there only 3 pal. Daly. McGregor. Seery. Duffy.
Patrick you haven’t a clue what your talking about & with that comment I doubt you have seen him fight. Paddy was all heart & given the chance would crawl round your back & choke you out within seconds. Legend. Very sad to hear he’s out
PR**k
He knew he was unfit to fight and jeopardised himself every time he got in the ring. He is lucky he wasn’t killed. He could have bled out at any stage and some other fighter would have his death on his conscience. I don’t have sympathy for him.
Massive pity . Was a guy who gave 100% in the octogon. I know he has opened a gym in tallagh and gives back hugely to the local community so hopefully he will be fine . The pride he took in having his son at his weigh in last year brought a tear to my eye . Telling his kid that hmif he works hard he can do anything . Came across as a sound man great dad and tough fighter .
Knowingly taking digs and kicks to the head with a significant bleeding tendency? Beggars belief.
Some people don’t let their illness dictate what they can and can’t do.
Good one. I’m sure most opponents would run a mile from fighting him if they knew they could put him in the ground.
John y Some people love talking about stuff they know next to nothing about
It’s a pr hoax, to drum up hype for fight night Rotterdam
Such a shame. An absolute gent of a man. At least he got to compete at that high level before being forced to retire.
He’s doing a McGregor.
Let me guess… You’re here all week and we should try the chicken!!!
Good fighter great personality best of luck paddy!!!
Paddy Hoolahoop