Joseph Duffy ‘shocked’ to be a main-eventer so early in UFC career

Even though Joseph Duffy has an overall career record of 14-1, he still only possesses two victories in the world-famous octagon. Granted, the lightweight impressed in his showings against Jake Lindsey and Ivan Jorge, it is almost unheard of for a fighter to headline a card so early in his career.

UFC President Dana White and other company brass see something special in the twenty-seven year old, though, as he is scheduled to main-event UFC Fight Night 76 opposite of Dustin Poirier on October 24, 2015.

Even Duffy admits that he was taken aback when he was offered the top-bill spot alongside “Diamond”, but he knows he will knock the opportunity he was given out of the park.

“It was definitely a bit of a shock,” Duffy told MMA Junkie. “I was the fight before the co-main event (at UFC Fight Night 72) in Glasgow, so I thought maybe I would be the co-main this time. But obviously when I got word I would be the main event, it makes sense for me to be the main event in Ireland.”

Duffy plans to treat this fight just like his previous ones and is not worried about all eyes being on him for the main event. “I don’t feel any pressure whatsoever,” Duffy mentioned. “With the fight, being the main event – none of that gets to me and I don’t look too much into it. Really, it’s just an idea that people put in their head. It doesn’t change anything. I’m still going to go out there and fight the same fight I’ve been training for. None of these factors play a part.”

If Joseph Duffy can beat Dustin Poirier, he could catapult himself into the next level of his division. Do you think he should drop down in weight to eventually rematch Conor McGregor, or would he be a good welcome fight for “The Notorious” one? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!