Irish UFC star Joe Duffy has officially retired from MMA after a disappointing loss at Fight Island tonight.
The Donegal native was submitted by Joel Alvarez just three minutes into their preliminary card bout at Yas Island.
And in an emotional Instagram post, Duffy thanked fans and the UFC as he claimed the loss made him realize that he hasn't 'got what it takes' to compete at the highest level in the sport.
He said: "Thank you all so much for all your messages of support all week. I have been blessed on this journey in MMA and am truly grateful for every experience.
"I felt great all through camp and even warming up, I believed I was back to my former self then when I went in there it just falls to pieces.
"I think it’s time to realize that I haven’t got what it takes any more. Congrats to Joel Alvarez and thank you to the UFC for all the opportunities.
"I’m sorry I didn’t achieve what I set out to achieve for my fans, family, friends and myself but it just wasn’t meant to be. I am officially retiring from MMA competition".
The only Irishman to beat Conor McGregor, Duffy enjoyed a long career and retires with a 16-5 record.
But the Donegal native tapped after he was caught in a guillotine hold just under three minutes into the first round of their preliminary bout.
In an exciting bout, the pair traded vicious leg kicks and threw plenty of shots before Duffy scored a takedown.
But the Spaniard managed to catch Duffy in the choke as the pair hit the mat, with the Irishman forced to tap a few seconds later.
