Max Holloway can’t seem to catch a break.
For the third time this year, the featherweight champion has been forced to withdraw from a fight — this time the UFC 226 co-main event against Brian Ortega. According to multiple reports, Holloway was struggling with concussion-like symptoms throughout the week, which eventually led to him being pulled from the card. ESPN was first to report the news of Holloway’s exit on Wednesday evening.
Holloway was hospitalized on Monday due to concussion symptoms before beginning his weight cut. Although he was released on Tuesday, his condition didn’t improve enough for him to go through with the fight.