THE UFC DUBlIN event got off to a flyer with all three of the Irish fighters on the preliminary card recording victories.
In front of a packed-out O2 Arena, Dublin flyweight Paddy Holohan saw off American Josh Sampo in the first round thanks to a rear naked choke after a sweet uppercut had taken him down.
“That was just amazing,” Holohan said afterwards. “It felt like home in there. When I go out there the hooligan just consumes my body. I just put my head down and swing at people. I’m pretty buzzing right now.
“I just want to thank everyone who has stood by me and supported me. I’ve had loads of message of support it’s been crazy. We’re gonna have a street party tomorrow!”
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Sampo added: “He caught me good with that upper cut. I tried to get a hold of his arm but he transitioned very nicely. Hats off to him.”
Fellow SBG fighter Cathal Pendred was also making his UFC bow having reached the semi-final on season 19 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
The 26-year-old went up against Mike King, also a former TUF 19 contestant, and showed unbelievable resilience to grind out a win.
King looked on top after catching his opponent with a heavy blow to the head. However, roared on by the Irish crowd, Pendred somehow managed to recover and win by submission — with a rear naked choke of his own.
“Mike came out really strong but even when things aren’t going my way, I can never count myself out,” said Pendred.
“The crowd was amazing; it kept feeding my energy. I’ve shown that I’m an exciting fighter and that you can never count me out. I couldn’t believe how excited Dana was about the fight. This is the fairytale start to my UFC career.”
Team Ryano flyweight Neil Seery, who was beaten by Brad Pickett in his first UFC fight earlier this year, was pitted against Phil Harris.
After a lively opening round, Seery got on top and got the fans going with a series of kicks to Harris’ body. The fight went the distance and Seery claimed victory via a unanimous decision — 30-27 on all the scorecards.
He dedicated the winner to his nephew, who recently passed away.
“Not a lot of people know this,” Seery said. “On Monday morning I buried my nephew. It’s been hard for the family. That’s for you Jamie!”
Elsewhere, there were wins for Nikita Krylov, Trevor Smith and Ilir Latifi.
Holohan, Pendred and Seery make it a perfect start for the Irish at UFC Dublin
THE UFC DUBlIN event got off to a flyer with all three of the Irish fighters on the preliminary card recording victories.
In front of a packed-out O2 Arena, Dublin flyweight Paddy Holohan saw off American Josh Sampo in the first round thanks to a rear naked choke after a sweet uppercut had taken him down.
“That was just amazing,” Holohan said afterwards. “It felt like home in there. When I go out there the hooligan just consumes my body. I just put my head down and swing at people. I’m pretty buzzing right now.
“I just want to thank everyone who has stood by me and supported me. I’ve had loads of message of support it’s been crazy. We’re gonna have a street party tomorrow!”
Sampo added: “He caught me good with that upper cut. I tried to get a hold of his arm but he transitioned very nicely. Hats off to him.”
Fellow SBG fighter Cathal Pendred was also making his UFC bow having reached the semi-final on season 19 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
The 26-year-old went up against Mike King, also a former TUF 19 contestant, and showed unbelievable resilience to grind out a win.
King looked on top after catching his opponent with a heavy blow to the head. However, roared on by the Irish crowd, Pendred somehow managed to recover and win by submission — with a rear naked choke of his own.
“Mike came out really strong but even when things aren’t going my way, I can never count myself out,” said Pendred.
“The crowd was amazing; it kept feeding my energy. I’ve shown that I’m an exciting fighter and that you can never count me out. I couldn’t believe how excited Dana was about the fight. This is the fairytale start to my UFC career.”
Team Ryano flyweight Neil Seery, who was beaten by Brad Pickett in his first UFC fight earlier this year, was pitted against Phil Harris.
After a lively opening round, Seery got on top and got the fans going with a series of kicks to Harris’ body. The fight went the distance and Seery claimed victory via a unanimous decision — 30-27 on all the scorecards.
He dedicated the winner to his nephew, who recently passed away.
“Not a lot of people know this,” Seery said. “On Monday morning I buried my nephew. It’s been hard for the family. That’s for you Jamie!”
Elsewhere, there were wins for Nikita Krylov, Trevor Smith and Ilir Latifi.
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Cathal Pendred Irish MMA MMA Neil Seery Paddy holohan UFCDublin