UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway Has Released a Statement After a Media Silence, Following His UFC 226 Withdrawal…
It was one of the most bizarre and disturbing fight cancellations in the history of the UFC. The not-so-blessed featherweight champion Max Holloway was pulled out of UFC 226 by his own team after displaying concussion-like symptoms in the build-up to the event. His title defense against Brian Ortega was scrapped, and he was quickly hospitalized.
Holloway is one of the most exciting and popular fighters in the promotion today. Currently riding an incredible 12-fight win streak, he looked set to defend his title for the second time, before his unfortunate condition went into decline.
Now the Hawaiian has released a brief statement, updating his fans on how he is starting to feel better. The cause of his disturbing health problems is still shrouded in mystery, as tests are continuing on the mainland USA.
Back on the mainland for more exams. Thanks @ufc and docs for following through to try and figure this out. Starting to feel better pic.twitter.com/aaXCGMpIgT
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 19, 2018
Feeling Better
It’s still a little bit disturbing that he’s only starting to feel better. As you can see from above the champion updated his fans on how tests are still being taken to see what was the root cause of his problems, and what is actually wrong.
Despite claims to the contrary, Holloway hadn’t even started his weight-cut. Some theories suggest that he had taken on too much water and that this had affected his internal system. There are also rumors that he was knocked out in his training camp. Basically, nobody knows right now, but hopefully, he can get back in the octagon soon.
Playing Safe
Meanwhile, the UFC hasn’t rushed into an interim title just yet. Ok – they tried to. When Holloway withdrew, they wanted Ortega to fight Jeremy Stephens, and then tried to replace T-City with Frankie Edgar when he refused to take on anyone but the champion.
Now Edgar has been booked to take on the Korean Zombie, Chan Sung Jung, so it looks like that bout is out of the question. It’s a waiting game to give Holloway a chance to recover and identify what’s wrong, before rushing into a decision. Ortega said:
“I put myself in that position by finishing everyone who’s been in front of me, and I’m just going to wait for that and pray for Max because now they’re saying that it’s a possible light stroke, and that’s not a joke. I’ve got prayers on for Max, and he’s ‘Blessed,’ so he’ll come back.”
Best Wishes
If it is a stroke as has been claimed by numerous sources, then that is very serious and could end Holloway’s career. Fingers crossed it’s not, because, at 26, he has an incredible future ahead of him – hopefully in the lightweight division.
Meanwhile, fans have mixed feelings about Ortega’s refusal to fight. Some understand that he doesn’t want to risk his title chances by fighting a dangerous opponent like Stephens. Others point at the likes of Conor McGregor who, in fairness, always fought for his fans who bought tickets and traveled to the event. What do you think?
