The UFC featherweight champion is asking fans not to give up on MMA after his injury that scrapped his planned UFC featherweight title defense against Frankie Edgar at UFC 222 in March.
Max Holloway addressed his UFC 222 withdrawal in a series of tweets Saturday. The UFC featherweight champion was forced out of his second title defense against Frankie Edgar, on Saturday February 3rd, due to a leg injury. Their bout had been set to take place March 3 in Las Vegas.
After the news was announced, ‘Blessed’ described the drastic measures he took in attempt to save the bout from being scrapped. He also added that “we’re going to reschedule” as soon as possible.
I asked the docs if we could cut off my leg then ask the commission if I could fight handicapped. They told me at the end of the day it is what it is… Had dozens of family from Hawaii coming up for this one… I know it sucks but hang in there. We’re going to reschedule asap https://t.co/E6G1lC4eU1
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 4, 2018
“I asked the docs if we could cut off my leg, then ask the commission if I could fight handicapped,” he wrote. “They told me at the end of the day, it is what it is.”
Holloway also responded to a pair of fans disappointed by the cancellation. The 26-year-old champ argued that injuries are part of MMA, and asked the fans not to “give up on the sport.” This marks the first time Holloway has been removed from an officially scheduled fight.
I know it sucks but don’t give up on the sport. Card changes have always been part of it. Changes are opportunities for other fighters to get their shot. Surprises are what make this sport unique. Hang on and I’ll find you at the next one https://t.co/FAdjCTBKFx
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 4, 2018
My momma always said MMA cards are like a box of chocolate. You never know what you’re gonna get. I know some surprises suck. But some are good. Stay with me so you don’t miss the good ones brother https://t.co/lrcINomjv1
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 4, 2018
UFC 222 is now without a main event. The UFC tried to book T.J. Dillashaw vs. Cody Garbrandt 2 for the bantamweight title, but the titleholder declined the rematch.
Per MMAFighting.com’s Ariel Helwani, the promotion is hoping to book a non-title fight between Edgar and short-notice replacement Brian Ortega. That fight has yet to be finalized.