Duffy is from Meenbanad, Burtonport, County Donegal. His family emigrated when he was young to the industrial town of Ebbw Vale in Wales, from where they travelled back and forth to Burtonport regularly.[4]
Duffy is an avid rugby fan, and growing up he says "I would always have made it known I wasn’t from Wales", which made his support for Ireland during the Six Nations a bit difficult sometimes. He claimed "if Ireland lost in the rugby, I would try to skip the next day at school, just to avoid the hassle it would bring". Duffy also played the sport through his youth, and despite captaining his school’s rugby team, it was martial arts that always occupied the majority of Duffy’s time. He started with taekwon-do before progressing to traditional jiu-jitsu, a foundation that eventually led him to a career in professional MMA.[5]
Boxing career
Despite knowing from an early age that he wanted to be a MMA fighter, Duffy said "I always wondered how I would get on in boxing". He continued "it was never something I thought about pursuing. I had never boxed, even at amateur, until a few years ago". Duffy cited "the opportunity to work with one of the best coaches in the boxing world" as the main reason for his switch, and the chance "to spar with some of the best fighters in the world; James DeGale, Andy Lee, George Groves, Chris Eubank, Jr.", something he deemed "priceless". The decision was then made even easier, with Duffy explaining "I was fortunate enough to have sponsors to back me as well. That took care of the financial worries".
When reflecting on the experience, he stated "More than anything, I’m a person who doesn’t want to have any regrets. When I’m old I want to be able to say that I gave it a go. That’s what it was. I got to fight professionally and I got to spar with some of the best fighters in the world".[6]
Mixed martial arts career
Duffy started his career as a welterweight, fighting in various regional promotions across the UK and Ireland. Duffy defeated the former UFC two-weight champion, Conor McGregor, and Northern Irishman Norman Parke, who later went on to the join the UFC.[7] It was after this fight that Duffy signed with Cage Warriors, the biggest MMA promotion in Europe. [citation needed]
The Ultimate Fighter
In February 2010, Duffy was announced as a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter 12 where he competed as a lightweight.[8] In his first fight, Duffy lost to Kyle Watson via rear-naked choke in the first round, and was subsequently eliminated from the show.[9]
Cage Warriors Fighting Championship
Duffy made his name and rose to prominence while fighting under the CWFC banner. In his first bout with the promotion, Duffy submitted Conor McGregor, another Irish fighter who went on to UFC stardom.[10]
In 2011, Duffy earned a Cage Warriors title shot against Ivan Musardo. Duffy lost the fight, breaking his hand in the third round, and being subsequently submitted in the fourth.[11]
Following his recovery, Duffy switched his attention to pro boxing. He amassed a 7–0 record before returning to Cage Warriors in 2014. Duffy's first fight back was against Frenchman, Damien Lapilus. Duffy won via rear-naked choke, 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the third round.[12]
Three months later he defeated another Frenchman, Julien Boussuge. This time detecting his opponent's intention for a takedown, and connecting a clean knee to the head when Boussuge changed levels. It was an instant knockout.[13]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In January 2015, the UFC announced they had signed Duffy.[14]
Duffy was expected to make his promotional debut against Vagner Rocha on 14 March 2015 at UFC 185.[15] However, Rocha pulled out of the bout in early February citing injury and was replaced by Jake Lindsey.[16] Duffy won the fight via TKO in the first round after wobbling his opponent with a head kick and then dropping Lindsey with a body shot, forcing the stoppage.[17]
Duffy faced Ivan Jorge on 18 July 2015 at UFC Fight Night 72.[18] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[19] He also earned a Performance of the Night bonus.[20]
Duffy was expected to face Dustin Poirier on 24 October 2015 at UFC Fight Night 76.[21] However, Duffy pulled out of the fight on 21 October citing a concussion he incurred during a sparring session.[22] In turn, the pairing was rescheduled, and took place on 2 January 2016 at UFC 195.[23] Duffy lost the fight by unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, 30–27).[24]
On 13 July 2017, Duffy's manager Graham Boylan revealed Duffy had signed a new seven-fight contract with UFC.[29]
Duffy faced James Vick on 4 November 2017 at UFC 217.[30] He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.[31]
Duffy was expected to face Ross Pearson on 2 December 2018 at UFC Fight Night 142.[32] However, Pearson announced on 7 November that he was out of the bout due to a broken nose and subsequent surgery to correct the injury.[33] and he was replaced by newcomer M-1 Global Lightweight Champion Damir Ismagulov.[34] In turn Duffy pulled out from the event, citing a rib injury.[35]
Duffy faced Joel Álvarez on 19 July 2020 at UFC Fight Night 172.[38] He lost the fight via a guillotine choke in round one.[39] After the fight, Duffy announced his retirement from MMA competition.[40]
