Blood disorder forces UFC flyweight and Conor McGregor teammate Paddy Holohan to retire

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lost one of its most exciting flyweights this past weekend when SBG Ireland product and Conor McGregor teammate, Paddy Holohan, was forced to retire on the advice of his doctors, leaving Willie Gates without an opponent for UFC Fight Night 87.

"The Hooligan" elaborates to UFC.com:

"I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII. 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. 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. 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."

Bummer.

Holohan, 27, made his Octagon debut -- in Dublin -- at the UFC Fight Night 46 mixed martial arts (MMA) event back in summer 2014, winning by way of first-round submission. "The Hooligan" finishes 3-2 under the ZUFFA banner (12-2-1 overall), recently falling to Louis Smolka back in October.

On the bright side, he still has a place to call home.

I lose a great fighter but gain an amazing coach, time for the next chapter https://t.co/wNh2fZ0G5v

— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) April 25, 2016

Gates is expected to remain on the May 8 card in Rotterdam (see it here).