Joseph Duffy returns to the Octagon for the first time in seven months on Thursday night, with a reinvigorated desire to compete in the Octagon.

The Donegal man faces Canadian Mitch Clarke in a lightweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Duffy believes the extra time off along with a trip home to Ireland has him “itching” to get back in the cage.

“I got back home for a best friends wedding and just seeing everyone really lit a fire in me as well. I’ve come into my sessions hungry. I’ve got that motivation and drive again. I’m excited, really excited.”

The Irish fighter made a permanent move to the Tristar gym headquarters in Montreal last year and Duffy believes a long stint away from his family and friends may have affected his desire, for what and whom he was competing for.

“When you’re here, you’re away from home and forget what it means to people.”

“I train for myself because I enjoy it, and I compete for myself because I enjoy it, but at the same time doing well to represent the people in my county, the people in my country and the people who have supported me from day one. It’s always been the thing that’s spurred and drove me on. ”

“Back Home in Ireland, MMA has blown up and people really know who you are. Where as here, I walk down the street and it’s just a normal day. Nobody knows who I am, and nobody cares. It’s just another day. That’s kind of how I like it. I like to fly under the radar.”

Duffy returns to the octagon against Mitch Clarke at UFC Fight Night 90 for the first time since a defeat to Dustin Poirier.

You can watch the full interview below:

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Listen in the player above or Download MP3

Niall McGrath and Petesy Carroll are joined by Joseph Duffy on this week’s episode of Talking Brawls

Joseph Duffy Interview starts at 0:24:52

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