UFC: ‘We’ll have our own Las Vegas in the Hills of Donegal’ is a famous line from the song by The Goats Don’t Shave – however tonight in the bright lights of Nevada, that is true as Joseph Duffy takes to the octagon.
Duffy was originally scheduled to face Dustin Poirier as the main headline fight at UFC Dublin.
However, when he suffered concussion in sparring, UFC medics postponed the fight much to the disappointment of scores of Donegal fan who were destined to invade Dublin.
The fight was quickly re-fixed, and Duffy’s clash with Poirier will be the headline preliminary flight on tonight’s UFC card.
Duffy is based in Canada, and trains out of the world-class Tri-Star Gym and by his own accord has had a superb training camp.
His close friends and family have jetted out for the fight, but the timing has made it difficult for a lot of his supporters – who are unfortunately been unable to make the event.
Duffy is expected in the octagon after midnight and we’ll have a full report and reaction on the fight.
O’Donnell’s Bar in Burtonport is packed in anticipation for the fight – and they’ll be hoping their local hero can continue his unbeaten start to life in the UFC.
John Paul ‘Scotty’ Boyle, who works in the Irish Defence Forces, knows his thing or two about combat, an he fancies a first round KO.
John Paul told Donegal Daily, “I fancy Joseph to do the business early on, it will be a serious test for him as Poirier has great pedigree.
“But I fancy Joseph to take him out early, hopefully he can do the business, one thing is for sure – is that the whole area is right behind him.
“Come on Joe!”
Paul ‘Brunch’ Gallagher told Donegal Daily, “I done a lot of sparring with him in his younger days, so I know what he’s capable of.
“He’s a serious fighter, and I hope he utilizes the skills I passed on to him years ago.
“I think he will win, but it might go the distance – he’s a class act and a great fella so here’s hoping we’re celebrating late into the night.”