Ireland's poor UFC record in 2016 continues: Neil Seery's defeat to Kyoji Horiguchi at UFC Rotterdam this afternoon means an Irishman hasn't triumphed in the Octagon since Conor McGregor's lighting knockout of Jose Aldo last December. Seery bravely withstood a ferocious barrage from Horiguchi at UFC Rotterdam, who faced flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson as the main event at UFC 186 just over a year ago.
Seery lost the first round 10-8 and was felled twice as he struggled to get to grips with the speed of his opponent. Seery was cut underneath his right eye, and to his credit, grew into the fight, ultimately losing the second round 10-9. As willing as Seery was, he simply couldn't get the opportunity to land a punch on a quicksilver Horiguchi.
The fight ultimately went the distance, as Seery proved he has an adamantine chin by surviving a powerful left hand by Horiguchi in the third, but just couldn't get close enough to trouble Horiguchi.
Kyoji Horiguchi def. Neil Seery via UD (30-26, 30-27x2) #UFCRotterdam
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) May 8, 2016
Neil's chin is amazing, but Horiguchi's is phenomenal as well. Took some hard strikes in bad spots (behind the ear) and barely blinked.
— Phil Mackenzie (@EvilGregJackson) May 8, 2016
Great fight. 30-27 Horiguchi. Seery did himself proud, though. #UFCRotterdam
— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) May 8, 2016
Damn Seery took a beating but was game through to the end. #UFCRotterdam
— Tommy Toe Hold (@TommyToeHold) May 8, 2016
You gotta love @NeilSeeryMMA one of the most exciting fighters on the roaster and there never any quit in him. Can't help but admire that
— Joe Duffy (@Duffy_MMA) May 8, 2016
Disappointing for Seery, but he can take great heart from a fine performance against an opponent who is simply a class above.
See Also: KO Of The Year: Canelo Renders Amir Khan Unconscious With A Nuclear Right Hand
