LOUIS SMOLKA CONTINUED his rise up the UFC’s flyweight division with a submission defeat of Paddy Holohan this evening at Dublin’s 3Arena.
Smolka forced the tap from Holohan via rear-naked choke after 4:09 of the second round in the main event at UFC Fight Night 76, giving the Dubliner his first defeat in three outings.
It rounded off a mixed night of results for the Irish. Holohan’s SBG team-mate Cathal Pendred was also defeated, but there were big wins for Aisling Daly, Neil Seery and Norman Parke.
Both accomplished grapplers, Holohan and Smolka spent the vast majority of the first round on the canvas and there were some fascinating exchanges, as the pair seemed to attempt almost every submission in the book over the duration of the fight.
Holohan went very close to securing the stoppage with a rear-naked choke in the second round but Smolka did excellently to escape.
But it was the Hawaiian who eventually succeeded with the same submission. Smolka shook Holohan with strikes on the ground before taking his back and locking in the rear-naked choke to secure the win.
“I never said I was the best or that I was born gifted, but when I do come out I give you everything,” said Holohan. “This week has been crazy. Hats off to Louis, he came here and beat me in my own back yard.”
Smolka said: “It was surreal. I know you guys might hate me right now but I love you. Let’s party later with some Jaegers and some whiskey. Thanks for coming out and supporting me. You guys have amazing energy.”
I don’t know much about UFC so correct me if I’m wrong but did Paddy not look very tired towards the end of the first round?
normally doesn’t tire but maybe the whole week and the weight cut got to him. you’re right though
He does normally tire – like in his last loss where he only went 3 rounds and was gassed after 1.
looks like we are just here to take part after all…
Oh well. At least we still have the rugby..
Some Shiner In The Morning
Paddy had nothing standing up. Then he was desperately trying to get it too the mat and was beaten at his own game. Fair play to paddy though seems like a top bloke. Think the sbg fighters (bar mcgregor) need some serious work on their stand up. Pendred should stop fighting before he gets seriously hurt.
Feel sorry for the folks who paid good money for that
Fair play paddy ya mad egg, humble In defeat! Bright career ahead if you still!
Completely outclassed but he gave it socks so fair play to him.
In the Ultimate fighter, Connor McGregor drills patients, posture and position. None of which the boy showed tonight. The rushed and was clumsy. I think he gave himself no chance. He was over taken by the event. Bring on McGregor v Aldo.
Jaysus I wouldn’t want to be one of those patients!!! You’d be walking funny for days!
Is that a tattoo of Gerald Butler on his shoulder? Lord above.
I was at the event and infairness tonight he just met a better all round fighter , paddy nearly choked him out in the 2nd and he was like a slippery worm all fight his ground game is unreal but towards the end he tired after takin a few head kicks and digs . Your man is a great fighter and paddy gave it socks fair play
Talk about brutality. This is the 3 Arenaaaaaaa!