P. Holohan (photo) would fight on May 8th. Photo: Disclosure
A serious health problem greatly shortened Irishman Paddy Holohan's MMA career. At just 27 years old, Holohan, who is a training partner of Conor McGregor at SBG Ireland, announced his retirement after discovering he had a rare coagulation disorder known as “Congenital Factor XIII Deficiency”.
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“I was born with a factor missing from my blood, called “Factor XIII”. I have disclosed this so far. I can no longer pass the medical exams to compete. I knew this was so rare that organizations wouldn't understand or give me a chance, as I've now discovered. I never fully explained to my coach John Kavanagh or my teammates the true risks as I did not believe they were excessive. I am happy because I have always put my heart into the fight, never cheated, never turned my back in adversity or when challenged and have always strived to inspire and encourage people of all backgrounds. I'm sad because I'll never step into the ring again, under those lights and feeling that discomfort, which is still life-giving when they start counting and you hear, 'Walk, walk, walk'... Facing the camera, knowing millions are watching and, most importantly, that the Irish are watching”, wrote the athlete, in a statement published on the UFC website.
With a professional record of 12 wins and two losses, Paddy Holohan would face Willie Gates at UFC Fight Night Rotterdam, on May 8, in the Netherlands. The Ultimate organization has not yet said whether it will select a replacement for the Irishman on the card that marks the event's debut in the Netherlands. Furthermore, John Kavanagh wrote on social media that, despite Holohan's departure from the SBG Ireland fighter squad, the “Hooligan”, as he is known, will now join the coaching team at the academy in Dublin.
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