Prior to each UFC card, Jay Primetown takes a close look at debuting fighters. In the latest installment, we look at lightweight Joseph Duffy as he takes on Jake Lindsey at UFC 185 in Dallas, Texas. Joseph “Irish” Duffy Hometown: Donegal, Ireland Age: 27 Height: 5’10” Reach: N/A Weight Class: Lightweight Camp: Tristar Career Record: 12-1 Key Wins: Conor McGregor, Norman Parke Key Losses: none Background A former contestant on season twelve of The Ultimate Fighter, Irishman Joseph Duffy is best known for being the last fighter to defeat Conor McGregor. Duffy took over two years off from MMA to pursue a professional boxing career (finishing with a 7-0 record) prior to returning to MMA in 2014. Of Duffy’s twelve career wins, he has won all but one via knockout or submission. Strengths
- Black belt in taekwondo
- Competent boxer
- Mixes punches well; targeting both the body and the head
- Has confidence to rely on foot movement to avoid strikes
- Good conditioning to push pace in later rounds
- Strong grappling with ability to control opponents on the ground
Weaknesses
- Can be more aggressive on the feet
- Doesn’t check leg kicks
- Wrestling a bit overrated
Matchup with Jake Lindsey Ever since Conor McGregor began his meteoric rise to UFC title contention, many have called for Joseph Duffy to be given a chance in the UFC. In his debut matchup with Jake Lindsey, Duffy has been given a real opportunity to showcase his skills. Outside of being slightly shorter than Lindsey, the Irishman has all the advantages in this fight. Duffy is the far superior striker. His footwork, movement, and hand speed are much better than what “The Librarian” has to offer. Furthermore, I expect Duffy to put Lindsey on his back without much struggle. On the ground, Duffy is very comfortable and would have a great opportunity to earn a submission win. Lindsey has struggled in his two UFC fights when forced to the mat. This is going to be a very difficult fight for “The Librarian” even against a fighter who is debuting in the UFC. At the current odds at Several Bookmakers, Duffy is a substantial favorite at -580. While that’s too high to bet on a fighter making his UFC debut, the odds of him winning inside the distance are -130. Duffy has shown very capable of finishing quality fighters with submission wins over UFC mainstays in Conor McGregor and Norman Parke. Look for him to get the finish in this one. UFC Ceiling Joseph Duffy is the latest Irishman to make his way into the UFC. Ireland has become a bit of a hot bed of late with the UFC creating a lot of buzz in the country after a sold out event in the summer of 2014. Duffy is one of the better all-around fighters to debut in the UFC over the last year. His professional boxing experience combined with his submission grappling technique make him a fighter that can challenge even the most experienced in the division. In the deepest division in the sport, Duffy should be able to find a place and become a mainstay. The bigger question is just how successful he can be? He will need to prove he can beat highly aggressive strikers as well as physical grapplers. If he can compete with those types of fighters, he could certainly become a top 15 fighter some day. Fight Film Check out Joseph Duffy in action: Joseph Duffy vs. Julien Boussuge
Joseph Duffy vs Damien Lapilus
Joseph Duffy vs. Conor McGregor