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Max Holloway has a more rational take about the global pandemic.
From denying its existence and not taking it seriously, to panic-buying and hoarding, or to not caring because they’ll “survive” anyway, there just have been a lot of unfortunate reactions to the pandemic currently affecting the world.
In mixed martial arts specifically, the UFC has pushed that the show must go on, with Dana White infamously saying he doesn’t “give a s—t about the coronavirus.”
Despite the risks involved, several fighters have also been adamant about wanting to keep training and fighting — which is understandable as most can’t afford not to. Max Holloway though, has a more logical and rational take than most, it seems.
The former UFC featherweight champion issued a lengthy message on social media, urging people to be safe and act as if they already have the virus, to prevent it from spreading further. While he’s young, fit and healthy, Holloway says he doesn’t want to be selfish and is still making sure he doesn’t risk infecting those who might not be able to survive.
“I don’t think there’s a doc out there who would say COVID-19 is more dangerous than fighting for a living,” Holloway wrote on Instagram. “I’m not afraid of it to be honest. It’s like the flu but 10x more deadly. So what? I put myself in more danger every day. So for anybody else who feels that way I agree.?
“But I also learned it’s not about me. I can carry it. I can have no symptoms like Donovan Mitchell. Then I can give it to my grandma and maybe she doesn’t beat it. Then what? All my UFC title belts ain’t gonna make me tough enough to deal with that responsibility.?”
As Holloway notes, this isn’t the time to focus on just yourself. Let’s all think of others, be responsible, and do our part in ensuring the spread of this pandemic slows down.
The rest of his statement can be read in full below:
Hawaii doesn’t have that many hospital beds… If just a few hundred elderly need to be in ICU for treatment then what? What happens then when Sista Moki gets in a car accident and the ICU is already full? I don’t know. Nobody does and we don’t want to find out.?
This isn’t about most of us who could get it and beat it. It’s about the people who won’t beat it so we gotta make sure we do our part to protect them. Take the social distancing seriously. Pretend you already have it. Distance yourself to protect others AND yourself.?
I know when the govt says “prepare but don’t panic” that basically screams panic. I get it. But none of us need 48 rolls of toilet paper… So if you know someone who may need supplies, we need to help them and share. But also remember we could already have it and not know, so be VERY careful??
And if you see me in the store, smile, point to the ground if you one banga, but we don’t need to take photos. Most people who go to the store in normal times probably only interact with one or two strangers. When I go anywhere I have hundreds of interactions, a lot of people come up to me. I’m a magnet for viruses. It’s not good for your loved ones health for you to interact with me now. ?
I promise when this is all over my team will do meet and greets so everyone who wants a photo or autograph can get one, so don’t worry you will not be missing your chance. ?
This isn’t practice. This is a fight. You guys know me. I love to take fights into deep waters. This isn’t one we want to take into deep waters. The quicker we can slow the spread the quicker we get back to normal