Joseph Duffy. Photo courtesy of: Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
ON Wednesday night the news broke that a Donegal man has signed with the biggest Mixed Martial Arts promotion in the world – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Burtonport native Joseph Duffy (26), who is managed by Intensiti Fighter Management, signed a multi-fight deal with the promotion this week making him the latest Irishman to join the holy grail of MMA.
The news comes as no surprise to MMA fans as the Meenbanad man has always been considered a real prospect for the top promotion and his most recent two wins on his return to the sport no doubt paved the way.
Having spent nearly two years training and competing as a pro boxer, the son of Inishfree native Joe Senior and Theresa (nee Gallagher) from Meenbanad, made his hugely anticipated return MMA last August.
Back with Europe’s top promotion Cage Warriors Fighting Championship (CWFC) he easily defeated rising French star Damien Lapilus in the main event at CWFC70 in Dublin.
Only three months later the affable Donegal man beat another Frenchman, the experienced Julien Boussuge, with an incredible first round knockout at CWFC74 in London.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Joseph said he couldn’t believe the attention he was getting. “I’ve never seen anything like it, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
Following a break over Christmas, Joseph got right back into training in the New Year and is now preparing to making his debut proper in the UFC Octagon.
He said: “Lightweight is probably one of the most active divisions in the UFC, but I feel I will be able to hold me own in the division.”
Read Joseph Duffy’s first full Donegal interview only in tomorrow’s Donegal News on Friday.
Proud Irishman Joseph Duffy celebrates following his return to MMA. Photos: Copyright Dolly Clew/Cage Warriors
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