The UFC announced on Wednesday night that Joseph Duffy has been forced to pull out of his Fight Night Dublin headline bout with Dustin Poirier due to a concussion suffered during training.
Shortly following the breaking of the news, Duffy issued a statement (via Instagram) regarding the withdrawal.
So sad to announce that I won't be fighting on Saturday.
After a strike to the head in training I had precautionary medical tests which resulted in me being deemed not fit to fight.
Obviously I'm gutted, I really wanted that fight and felt sharp in training.
Firstly, a huge apology to Dustin. We have both put in an incredible amount of work to get ready for the fight. He's a great fighter and I hope I get another chance to face him.
Sorry to all my fans, friends and family who were planning to come and see me fight and who have supported me all the way.
Although it's hard to think about anything other than the disappointment right now, I can't wait to get another fight booked in and hope to be in the octagon as soon as possible.
Good luck to my teammate Tom Breeze. Thanks to my camp Tristar and to the UFC.
Saturday will still be an amazing night for MMA in Ireland.
Paddy Holohan vs Louis Smolka - which just last week was bumped up to co-main event due to the cancellation of Stipe Miocic vs Ben Rothwell - is now the headline fight for Saturday, October 24th.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
