The UFC's return to Dublin just lost its main event. Irish lightweight Joseph Duffy has been forced to withdraw from this Saturday's five-round showdown with Dustin Poirier due to a mild concussion sustained in training earlier in the week. Here's the official statement from the UFC:
"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."
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"Fans seeking ticket refunds as a result of the main event changes can do so through Ticketmaster at the point of purchase."
Poirier is off the card altogether and will be moved to a different show. A huge blow for expectant Irish fans who produced a spectacular atmosphere when Conor McGregor headlined the last Dublin show in 2014. This card has now lost both its original main event and co-main event just days out from fight night.
The new main event is between flyweights Patrick Holohan vs. Louis Smolka, which was elevated to co-main status when Stipe Miocic vs. Ben Rothwell was scrapped. It will remain a scheduled three-rounder. Norman Parke vs. Reza Madadi is the new co-main event.
UPDATE: Poirier and Duffy have issued separate statements on the cancellation.