Duffy pulls out of UFC Fight Night 76 with concussion

UFC Fight Night 76 might be cursed.

Joseph Duffy was forced to withdraw from his main event bout against Dustin Poirier in Dublin this weekend after suffering a mild concussion.

Already in tatters after losing a featured heavyweight bout between Stipe Miocic and Ben Rothwell, UFC Fight Night 76 will now be headlined by a three-round bout pitting Paddy Holohan against Louis Smolka.

The UFC released the following statement regarding the bout cancellation:

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.

Duffy’s original opponent, Dustin Poirier, will be rescheduled for another event. Fans seeking ticket refunds as a result of the main event changes can do so through Ticketmaster at the point of purchase.

With Holohan-Smolka being moved up to the main event, Norman Parke vs. Reza Madadi will now serve as the co-main.