Another part of the Irish invasion to the UFC has been lost to retirement.
Paddy Holohan has been forced to retire from mixed martial arts at just 27 years of age due to a rare blood clotting disorder.
‘The Hooligan’ enjoyed a 3-2 record in the UFC since bursting onto the scene in 2014, opening the card at the 3Arena with a first-round rear naked choke victory over Josh Sampo.
There was a significant increase in interest for Holohan’s next fight in Dublin which came when he headlined the UFC’s most recent trip to the capital but the Dubliner came unstuck against Louis Smolka in the main event last October.
Holohan can hang up his gloves with his head held high after a tremendous career, having been one of the key players in the so-called Irish invasion led by UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor.
We got the chance to speak with ‘The Hooligan’ prior to the Smolka fight last year and hit him with a quickfire round of questions.
1. What’s the hardest you’ve ever been hit?
That’d have to be one of the left hands of a man by the name of Conor McGregor
2. Who is the toughest fighter you’ve fought?
In terms of technique and obstacles to overcome, I’d say Artemij Sitenkov gave me the toughest fight.
3. Who has the most powerful hands at SBG?
Richie Smullen
4. Who’s the dark horse?
Ann Mulligan
5. Who is the most technically sound?
James Gallagher
6. Who is the fittest?
Me
7. Who is the fastest?
Me
8. Do you prefer a quick KO, slick submission or hard-earned decision?
That all depends on the level of competition. John Kavanagh and I always talk about this because we think, for an amateur, it’s vital to get the three rounds under your belt. But where I am now, I’d love it if I could finish the fight with just a look across the cage because we don’t get paid overtime. I want to get it over as quickly as possible
9. If you weren’t a fighter, what job would you have?
Jesus, I couldn’t even tell you. I’d probably be in jail (laughs). Yeah, in jail for robbing a bank.
10. What bit of advice would you give to any up-and-coming fighters?
In a word it would be “play”. So many young fighters try to go too hard too early and burn out. They should learn how to train and spar intelligently and just play with your teammates to get better technically.
