Paddy Holohan, Conor McGregor’s Teammate, Announces His MMA Retirement

patrick-holohan

Paddy Holohan has spent the past nine years competing in MMA.

Now, the SBG Ireland teammate of Conor McGregor’s will need to find a new passion.

Holohan announced his retirement after UFC officials learned of a rare disorder affecting him. He is 27 years old and leaves the sport with a record of 12-2-1.

“I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII,” Holohan said. “I never disclosed it then or now. I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete. I knew that it was so rare that organizations wouldn’t understand or take the chance with me, as I have found out now.

I never explained in full to my coach John Kavanagh or my team the actual risks because I didn’t think there was excess risk.”

Holohan has a rare blood clotting disorder that will force him to the sidelines.

“I’m happy because I always wore my heart on my sleeve, never cheated, never turned away from diversity or challenges, and always strived to inspire and encourage people from all backgrounds,” Holohan said. “And I’m sad because I will never make that walk again, under those lights, feeling all those uncomfortable, yet life-giving feelings as they count and you hear ‘Walk, walk, walk,’ staring into a camera, knowing millions are watching, but most importantly the Irish are watching.

Holohan was the main event for the recent card in Ireland, falling to Louis Smolka. He went 3-2 over five appearances inside the Octagon.

patrick-holohan

Paddy Holohan has spent the past nine years competing in MMA.

Now, the SBG Ireland teammate of Conor McGregor’s will need to find a new passion.

Holohan announced his retirement after UFC officials learned of a rare disorder affecting him. He is 27 years old and leaves the sport with a record of 12-2-1.

“I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII,” Holohan said. “I never disclosed it then or now. I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete. I knew that it was so rare that organizations wouldn’t understand or take the chance with me, as I have found out now.

I never explained in full to my coach John Kavanagh or my team the actual risks because I didn’t think there was excess risk.”

Holohan has a rare blood clotting disorder that will force him to the sidelines.

“I’m happy because I always wore my heart on my sleeve, never cheated, never turned away from diversity or challenges, and always strived to inspire and encourage people from all backgrounds,” Holohan said. “And I’m sad because I will never make that walk again, under those lights, feeling all those uncomfortable, yet life-giving feelings as they count and you hear ‘Walk, walk, walk,’ staring into a camera, knowing millions are watching, but most importantly the Irish are watching.

Holohan was the main event for the recent card in Ireland, falling to Louis Smolka. He went 3-2 over five appearances inside the Octagon.