Dustin Poirier earns hard fought decision over Joe Duffy at UFC 195

It was a disappointing start to the new year for Irish MMA this Saturday as Donegal native Joseph Duffy lost a unanimous decision to American Dustin Poirier at UFC 195 in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.

Duffy entered the fight as the bookies favourite and looked good in the early goings as both men traded hard leather. A big shot from Poirier rattled him early but some nice right hands had Duffy back on par in a great round of fighting which was probably nicked by a late Poirier takedown.

And it was the takedown that again won the second as Poirier began to dominate. Initially, Duffy defended well when put on his back but as the round went on Poirier upped the pace and left Duffy’s face battered by elbows at round’s end.

The final round was more of the same as Poirier grounded Duffy against the cage and went to work. To his credit, Duffy was very active off of his back and didn’t give up for a second. Even as the fight came to an end Duffy had a triangle locked on but it was too little too late.

In the end, Poirier deservedly took every round on the judges’ scorecards and moves to 3-0 in his latest lightweight run. For Duffy it’s a first UFC defeat and am experience which will hopefully serve him well in the rest of his career.