Joseph Duffy signs seven-fight deal with UFC

Irish lightweight Joe Duffy has signed a seven-fight deal with UFC after testing free agency following his last trip to the Octagon against Reza Madadi in March.

Graham Boylan of Intensiti Fighter Management, Duffy’s manager, confirmed the deal with MMAFighting.com earlier Thursday.

The Donegal man has gone 4-1 under the UFC banner since his debut in March 2015. His only loss came by way of unanimous decision when he met Dustin Poirier at UFC 195.

Although he did not sign UFC’s initial contract offer, Duffy has always maintained that he would be open to re-signing with the promotion. On several occasions, he highlighted the UFC’s drug testing policy as one of the main reasons that he would like to reach an agreement with the promotion.

“I would gladly sign with the UFC if we come to a good deal and everything,” Duffy told Ariel Helwani in an appearance on The MMA Hour last March, following his unanimous decision win over Madadi.

“I’ve enjoyed every second of working with them so far. I said it all week, I’ve got a great relationship with most of the staff of the UFC, and I love the USADA program and this type of thing. So it’s not like it’s 100 percent done or anything else; I’m just open to all offers and I’m interested to see what offers are on the table.”

According to Boylan, Duffy is very happy with the “six-figure” deal and is looking forward to getting back to work in the Octagon.

“(Joseph) is happy with the new deal and is looking forward to getting back in and being more active,” said Boylan.