Before Paddy Holohan signed his first UFC deal, a back injury nearly forced him into an early retirement.
After a discectomy and long road back to competition, he eventually did get a chance to make his UFC debut in Dublin. His first-round win over Josh Sampo sparked an unforgettable night for the Irish, the likes of which many believe will never be seen again.
“The Hooligan” was born with a rare blood condition, Factor XIII deficiency, that affects only one in five million people. Although he took a supplement throughout his career to deal with his disadvantage, in 2016 the UFC effectively forced his exit from the sport due to safety concerns.