It was an emotional night.
Local Irish fight fans didn’t get the clean sweep that they got last July as homegrown fighters competing at UFC Dublin brought home a mixed bag of results.
Cathal Pendred was dismantled by Tom Breese on the undercard before Aisling Daly gave the crowd something to shout about by beating Ericka Almeida via decision.
Neil Seery opened the main card with a thrilling submission victory over Jon Delos Reyes and Norman Parke followed up by outstriking Reza Madadi.
The crowd fell flat, though, when Paddy Holohan was forced to submit to the vicelike rear naked choke of Louis Smolka which brought to a close an altogether up-and-down card.
SBG head coach John Kavanagh took to Twitter to explain his emotions after the final bell had rung.
The highest highs and the lowest lows. Blown away by fans support, amazed at my fighters hearts. Monday, back n d gym, the journey continues
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) October 24, 2015
And Conor McGregor, the poster-boy of Irish MMA, shared similar sentiments from the front row of the 3Arena.
The game is truly bitter sweet!
Proud of all my teammates.
Respect to every fighter who made that walk tonight. It is not for everyone.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 24, 2015
