Joe Duffy is currently contract-less.
Prior to the final bout on his UFC deal, the Donegal lightweight had made no secret of his desire to test free agency and he will enter negotiations in a strong position after seeing off Reza Madadi in London.
Duffy scored his fourth victory in five UFC outings by lighting up an impassioned Madadi on the feet for the majority of the 155lbs showdown which closed out the preliminary portion of the UFC London fight card.
The intentions of ‘Mad Dog’ were clear from the get-go as he looked to avoid standing with Duffy, a former undefeated professional boxer.
Duffy was taken down in the first round but managed to eventually reverse position and finished out the opening period from top position.
Big slam by @RezaMaddog, but @Duffy_MMA w/ the beautiful reversal! #UFCLondon on @UFCFightPass ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/86giDiU5Qw
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2017
The second round was when ‘Irish Joe’ did his best work as he mixed up his striking with stunning fluidity and left blood streaming down his opponent’s face from a tornado of punches, knees and a full variety of kicks.
Esteemed Tristar head coach Firas Zahabi was present to ensure Duffy didn’t become overly aggressive and open himself up to the counter-takedowns of Madadi and he remained disciplined in that department throughout.
Clean 1-2 from @Duffy_MMA #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/UvZQbRZoJo
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2017
The stand-up superiority of Duffy was the story of the bout as he found his range, stayed in his range and purpled Madadi’s face from that range.
And class act that he is, ‘Irish Joe’ offered his opponent an embrace as the final buzzer rang out around the O2 Arena.
Round of applause 👏 for these two! Congrats to @Duffy_MMA on the W! #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/48XhlGeR7O
— UFC (@ufc) March 18, 2017
The UFC have an exclusive window in which to negotiate with the 29-year-old and offer him an improved deal but, if that offer is not to Duffy’s liking, who knows where we will see Duffy next?
