Joseph Duffy vs Dustin Poirier off; Holohan vs Smolka new main event

Joseph Duffy has been forced to withdraw from his bout at Saturday’s UFC Dublin event against Dustin Poirier due to mild concussion.

According to Norman Parke he was offered a chance to replace Duffy in the main event against Poirier and accepted the bout but Parke has said that Poirier refused the bout.

@andrewmcgahon_ @PaddyHolohanMMA @SevereMMA @SeanSheehanBA I was offered the fight..

— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) October 21, 2015

@SevereMMA @andrewmcgahon_ @PaddyHolohanMMA @SeanSheehanBA I said yes but he refused, but then again more for him to lose, I'm still focused

— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) October 21, 2015

Paddy Holohan vs Louis Smolka will now serve as the main event.

Here is the UFC statement in full

“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.”

Duffy took to his Instagram to apologise for withdrawing from the bout

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Joseph Duffy (@duffymma)

Long time MMA media member John Morgan said on twitter that he has been told that Duffy suffered a flash KO while sparring at Tristar

For what it’s worth, I’m told Duffy suffered a flash KO while sparring at Tristar.

— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 21, 2015