It was announced earlier this week that reigning UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was pulled from his co-main event title fight with Brian Ortega this weekend at UFC 226 in Las Vegas due to “concussion-like symptoms.”
UFC president Dana White was quick to suggest fight fans aren’t going to see “Blessed” compete “anytime soon.” Others, most notably fellow UFC fighters, took to social media to wish the 145-pound king a speedy recovery.
Current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who nearly fought Holloway back at UFC 223 earlier this year, and former UFC champion Conor McGregor, who is the last fighter to defeat the Hawaiian inside of the Octagon, were among those who reached out to “Blessed” directly.
After some time to digest his situation, Holloway released an official statement on UFC 226’s fallout. In addition, the featherweight champion responded to Khabib and “Notorious” in order to thank them for their support.
Thank you my brother. I know you know what it is because your whole team is champions. Peace be with you https://t.co/WEtHgunoh3
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 6, 2018
Thank you champ champ. One of the best minds in this game said we win or learn. This is learning for me. Hope to see you back brother https://t.co/qdj9IbZDPg
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) July 6, 2018
It’s nice to know that Holloway has the backing of his peers, even if it’s coming from two fighters he could see inside of the cage in the near future. Like McGregor and Nurmagomedov, fight fans are hoping “Blessed” makes a healthy recovery from whatever is going on.
UFC 226 will still be led by a superfight pitting current UFC heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic against UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier.
See the complete UFC 226 line up here.