UFC Flyweight Paddy Holohan Announces Retirement Due to Rare Bleeding Disorder

UFC flyweight Patrick Holohan has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts at age 27.

Holohan on Monday issued a statement via Facebook in which he explained that he is being forced to walk away from the sport due to Factor XIII deficiency, an extremely rare bleeding disorder wherein the body is unable to properly form blood clots.

“It came to the UFC’s attention from a third party and I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete,” wrote Holohan. “Only 1 in 5 million people are diagnosed so I knew that it was so rare, organisations wouldn’t understand or take the chance with me as I have found out now, I never explained in full to John [Kavanagh] or my team the actual risks cause I didn’t think there was excess risk.”

In a statement, UFC officials reiterated that the company did not learn about the disorder until after Holohan’s last fight, and that “Holohan was advised by medical professionals to retire with his long-term health and safety in mind.” The promotion is currently seeking a replacement opponent for Willie Gates, who Holohan was slated to meet at next weekend’s UFC Fight Night in the Netherlands.

Holohan leaves the sport with a record of 12-2-1, including eight wins by way of submission. “The Hooligan” joined the UFC in July 2014 and recorded a 3-2 mark inside the Octagon, including a rear-naked choke win over Josh Sampo in the Irishman’s memorable Dublin debut.