Let’s just say, thank God UFC Fight Night 76 is on UFC Fight Pass. After watching Saturday’s co-main event fall off last week due to injury, the show’s featured attraction is now scrapped after the UFC learned Joseph Duffy (pictured) suffered a mild concussion during training.
Duffy was slated to fight fellow lightweight Dustin Poirier. With only three days remaining until showtime, the UFC will shelve Poirier for another day.
“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 UFC expressed in press release. “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.”
No word if Duffy or Poirier will receive their show money.
The flyweight bout between Paddy Holohan and Louis Smolka, which was originally slated to kick off the main card, will now get top billing. Due to it’s last-minute notice, the tango will be a three-round affair instead of a five-rounder.
Last week ago, heavyweight Stipe Miocic pulled out of the co-main event against Ben Rothwell due to an injury.
Here is the card’s updated lineup:
Preliminary Card:
(UFC Fight Pass 1PM ET/10AM PT)
Darren Elkins vs. Robert Whiteford
Tom Breese vs. Cathal Pendred
Scott Askham vs. Krzysztof Jotko
Ericka Almeida vs. Aisling Daly
Jon Delos Reyes vs. Neil Seery
Main Card:
(UFC Fight Pass 4PM ET/1PM PT)
Mickael Lebout vs. Stevie Ray
Nicolas Dalby vs. Darren Till
Reza Madadi vs. Norman Parke
Paddy Holohan vs. Louis Smolka