Former UFC star Paddy Holohan has left SBG Tallaght

Paddy Holohan has left his position has head coach of SBG Tallaght.

The five-fight UFC veteran took up the role in the Dublin gym following his retirement from the sport due to a rare blood condition. SBG Tallaght confirmed in a Facebook statement that Holohan, who was played one of the starring roles in that magical UFC Dublin card, had departed from from the gym due to a "staffing issue". They added that they were looking for a replacement.

“To all our members. There has been a lot of confusion over the past 48 hours. We at SBG Tallaght will continue to value all our members and provide top quality coaches. Unfortunately Paddy Holohan has left SBG Tallaght over a staffing issue. SBG Tallaght respects Paddy’s decision to leave. We want to wish Paddy well in the future. SBG Tallaght are working hard on finding a suitable replacement for Paddy. All the other coaches will be operating business as normal.

“Statement regarding SBG Tallaght and Paddy Holohan: First off let me make it clear that I have never been treated poorly at SBG Tallaght. The staff have always made me feel welcome and I have never been involved in a dispute or argument with ownership or another member of staff / client. It is the contrary, I have been treated extremely well, provided with a job that allowed me to survive while doing something i am extremely passionate about. Paddy Holohan is one of my close friends. Myself and Paddy grew up on the mats of Straight Blast Gym. I can remember Paddy declaring his goals as far back as 2009: Fight in the UFC then eventually give back by teaching martial arts in his home town tallaght. Paddy can no longer be part of SBG Tallaght, For reasons that do not apply for myself or any of the other coaches. I wish no ill will to anyone involved in SBG Tallaght but this is a matter of loyalty and I must pick a side. No matter what is said between the two parties i will support my long time friend and training partner Paddy Holohan and relinquish any duties at SBG Tallaght. I am studying for a degree at the moment, This is my priority, i cannot risk legal action which would be detrimental to my living situation/ goals. With that considered I will wait for Paddy and SBG Tallaght to resolve their dispute before committing to coaching elsewhere. Until then back to the chip shop... #SBG"