UFC 226 has taken a major hit. Max Holloway, the promotion’s featherweight champion, was forced to withdraw from the co-main event title defense due to concussion-like symptoms Holloway’s team confirmed the news on his social media accounts. As a result, his opponent, Brian Ortega, has also been scrapped from the event.
The news was first confirmed by ESPN.com.
After learning the news, MMAjunkie reached out to Holloway’s camp and received the following information.
“Max’s team and UFC staff noticed Max was not normal since late last week. This became obvious to many watching his interviews and public appearances the past few days.
“He was showing concussion-like symptoms before he even started his weight cut and was rushed to the ER on Monday where they admitted him overnight. Initial scans seemed okay, and he was released Tuesday afternoon, but symptoms still continued.
“Max fought with his team to continue with the fight. He showed some improvement over the next day but was still showing obvious symptoms. After open workouts, he crashed and was very hard to wake up. When he did, he had flashing vision and slurred speech.
“He is now back in the ER for further tests.”
According to Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, there are plans to reschedule the fight for UFC 227.
UFC 226 takes place Saturday, July 7, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the main event, heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is set to defend his title against light heavyweight titleholder Daniel Cormier in a superfight in one of the best fights of the year.
