It's been five years since the last time Conor McGregor was beaten in MMA, and things couldn't be more different for both him and the victor from that day. McGregor is preparing for the biggest fight in UFC history in less than two weeks time, while Joseph Duffy is finally shaking off the tag as the last man to beat McGregor.
Reminiscing about that fight, Duffy boldly suggested that he would be confident of matching his victory from five years ago, where he only needed 39 seconds to beat McGregor by submission.
I can still remember that fight quite clearly; it was my first fight back after the loss on ‘(The Ultimate Fighter 12). It was a big fight for me. It was a big fight to get back into the swing of things, and it was my first fight on a show of that scale also. I remember the fight clearly, and I felt that was the start of me moving on to the next level.
Conor’s grown. He’s grown in confidence, and obviously his stature has grown as well. I think he’s learned a lot over the years. His ground game has improved, his striking has improved, and he’s improved everywhere. He’s obviously a different fighter five years on.
I would address the fight the same way I would any other: I would go in expecting the five rounds and I believe I can finish anyone. I’m always looking for them opportunities, and the fight with Conor would be no different. I would be in there, and I would be looking for that finish.
Duffy has impressed since his UFC debut, and Dana White was excited enough about his prospects to hand him the headline gig at UFC Dublin before injury ruled him out. Duffy will now face Poirier at UFC 195.
See Also: Conor McGregor Weights In With Typical Brashness After Joseph Duffy Ruled Out Of UFC Dublin
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
