Irish mixed martial artist Paddy Holohan has announced his retirement from the sport this afternoon.
In a statement today on Facebook, the 27-year-old revealed that he had a rare blood condition which has forced him out of the game.
"I was born with a factor missing in my blood called Factor XIII. I never disclosed it then or now, it came to the UFC's attention from a third party and I can no longer pass the medical requirements to compete, 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 or my team the actual risks cause I didn't think there was excess risk" the statement read.
"It is a disorder that is only dangerous for me not my opponents. I really did see MMA as the way to have a real shot at life for myself and my family and it turns out I was right."
Holohan (12-2-1) was due to return to the Octagon for the first time since his defeat to Louis Smolka on May 8th to face American Willie Gates.
He continued to say: "I am also disappointed because people who have cheated within the sport due to PEDs etc putting their opponents in extra danger will fight again, whereas for me it's a genetic 1 in 5 million disorder that stops me dead in my tracks."
Factor XIII (FXIII), or fibrin stabilizing factor, deficiency is the rarest factor, occurring in an extremely small number of people as outlined by Holohan in his statement.
Both parents must carry the gene to pass it on to their children, and it affects men and women equally.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
