JOSEPH Duffy is confident of recording another win on Saturday night in Glasgow.
The 27-year-old who hails from Meenbanad, Burtonport has a record of 13-1 as he heads into his lightweight meeting with Ivan Jorge.
Duffy was the last man to defeat Conor McGregor, the interim UFC Featherweight Champion. At Cage Warriors 39 in Cork, Duffy defeated ‘The Notorious’ after only 38 seconds by way of an arm-triangle choke.
Duffy made his debut in the UFC back in March when he defeated American Jake Lindsey in Dallas, spectacularly stopping his opponent 1 minute and 47 seconds into their bout.
Now, the Donegal man is set to face Jorge, a 34-year-old Brazilian who has competed 30 times as a pro and has a record of 26-4. Duffy-Jorge is part of UFC Fight Night 72 at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena.
Duffy trains in the Tristar Gym in Montreal under Firas Zahabi, known as one of the best MMA coaches in the world.
After his win over Lindsey, Duffy was given plaudits from all quarters with UFC President, Dana White, saying: ‘That kid looked unbelievable. Unbelievable.’
“The experience was incredible,” Duffy says now ahead of his competitive return to the octagon.
“Touch wood we’ll have the same again this week.
“There were probably more eyes on me, but it never effected me in the least.
“Early in my career, I used to get too wound up and used to put pressure on myself. Now, I just enjoy it.”
Duffy left the MMA world in 2012 – following an unfortunate defeat to Ivan Musardo and fought seven times as a professional boxer, winning each of his contests, the last of which was a 59-56 points win over Attila Tobor Nagy in Camden in November 2013.
In January, UFC announced they had secured Duffy’s services on a multi-fight deal. His only defeat as a mixed martial artist was back in 2011 when he was beaten by Ivan Musardo.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Jorge, Duffy appears relaxed.
He says: “Preparation has been perfect. I’m pretty confident. I feel comfortable in my game.
“I feel that no matter where the fight goes I can win and I believe that I can also get a finish.”
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