Sam Spangler for Hawaii’s KHON reports that UFC featherweight champion Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway injured his ankle while sparring this week, and has had to pull out of a title defense vs. Frankie Edgar at UFC 222. The event will be held on March 3, 2018 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This is the second time a planned fight between the pair has been scrapped due to injury. A fight scheduled for UFC 218 on December 2, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan was canceled when Edgar pulled out with a facial injury.
The fighter released a statement on his social network.
“I asked the docs if we could cut off my leg then ask the commission if I could fight handicapped,” tweeted Holloway. “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.”
“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.”
Holloway, 26, is on a 12-fight win streak dating back to 2013. Let’s hope the third time is a charm.
The UFC is also reportedly trying to reschedule Edgar vs. #3 contender Brian Ortega at UFC 222.
