Although he’s been given the all-clear by doctors, there’s still some concern about whether Max Holloway will make it to the Octagon on Saturday to defend his featherweight title against Brian Ortega.
Holloway, the reigning champion, pulled out of his original bout with ‘T-City’ at the last minute due to ‘concussion-like symptoms’ and, despite extensive medical tests, doctors were unable to diagnose the problem.
Holloway’s sudden illness remains a mystery, but Ortega thinks it has something to do with weight cutting.
Speaking to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani in a recent interview, the undefeated featherweight contender said he still has doubts over whether ‘Blessed’ will make it to the scales on Friday, which is why he is no longer emotionally invested in the fight.
“[A] small part,” Ortega said, per BJPenn.com. “We usually know when Max starts cutting weight, that is where the issue always comes up. We are worried a little bit, but I am doing my part.”
“Emotionally, I haven’t really invested myself in it anymore, especially because of the last one. I kind of detached myself and got myself to work for whatever,” he said. “The way I put it is I am going to fight for a title no matter who it is. I am just going to get ready for whatever.”
UFC 231: Holloway vs. Ortega takes place this Saturday, Dec. 8 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
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