After UFC-debut win, Joseph Duffy undecided on potential move down to featherweight

Joseph Duffy

DALLAS – Perhaps Joseph Duffy isn’t going to celebrate his UFC-debut win with a move down to featherweight, after all.

Soon after Duffy (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) entered the UFC octagon for the first time and thoroughly thrashed 155-pounder Jake Lindsey (9-3 MMA, 0-3 UFC), UFC commentator Joe Rogan said the Irishman’s coach, Tristar’s Firas Zahabi, told him Duffy was headed to 145 pounds.

However, after the event, which took place at Dallas’ American Airlines Center, Duffy said an official decision hasn’t been made.

“It’s nothing definite at the moment,” the 27-year-old said. “I’ve been speaking with Firas about it, but we’ll sit down in the next couple of weeks, and we’ll decide where to go from here.”

The potential move sparked a lot of excited speculation on social media. Duffy, after all, is the last man to defeat fast-rising featherweight contender Conor McGregor (17-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC), who meets champ Jose Aldo (25-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) at UFC 189 on July 11.

Duffy, who fought on the UFC Fight Pass-streamed prelims, is likely to get a TV spot in his next bout. And if he looks anything like he did at UFC 185, he surely has some big fights in his near future.

However, Duffy, a former Cage Warriors fighter who took a three-year break from the sport to go 7-0 in pro boxing, isn’t necessarily committed to the featherweight division – or a potential rematch with McGregor.

“The kid is good,” UFC President Dana White said. “He’s really good. We’re excited to have him here. He looked great tonight. We’ll see how this thing plays out.”

And, in terms of a weight class? White thinks a move to featherweight may be in order, but he said it’s Duffy’s decision to make.

“I think that’s what he wants to do, but it’s up to him,” White said. “He can stay at (155). He can go to 45. Whatever he wants to do.”

Despite finishing Lindsey within two minutes and crumpling his opponent with a head kick and brutal body shot, Duffy didn’t pick up a $50,000 UFC 185 fight-night bonus. However, White suggested the Irishman will go home with a little extra money in his pockets.

“How about his performance?” White said at the post-fight press conference. “Yeah, you’ll get a check, too.”

For complete coverage of UFC 185, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

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