Breaking: Joseph Duffy vs. Dustin Poirier Off At UFC Fight Night 76
As if losing the heavyweight co-main event between Stipe Miocic and Ben Rothwell wasn’t enough, this Saturday’s (October 24, 2015) UFC Fight Night 76 from the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, has taken another massive blow.
The UFC just confirmed on Twitter that the anticipated lightweight main event between rising Irish lightweight Joseph Duffy and Dustin Poirier had been cancelled, leaving Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka as the new main event:
BREAKING: Poirier vs. Duffy is off! Paddy Holohan vs. Smolka is new main event #UFCDublin ➡️ https://t.co/Tybp4TI6Rn pic.twitter.com/n8bU5CrRU6
— #UFCDublin (@UFCEurope) October 21, 2015
Duffy was apparently unable to fight after suffering a mild concussion in training last week.
With a record-selling sellout of one minute, this card is currently leaning towards one of the weakest lineups in UFC history for the promotion’s return to Dublin. And the UFC apparently recognized that, quickly issuing a statement telling fans they could receive a refund if they so desired:
The UFC’s statement can be seen below.
“Due to a medical issue involving UFC lightweight Joe Duffy, the new main event of UFC FIGHT NIGHT in Ireland on Saturday will be a three-round bout featuring hometown hero Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka.
“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.”
Stay tuned to LowKick MMA for more details as they arise.
