UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway appeared recently on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show and discussed the worrisome symptoms that led to his being pulled from a title defense vs. Brian Ortega at UFC 226. They were variously attributed to a concussion, drinking too much water, or even a stroke.

I didn’t suffer a concussion at all,” said Holloway, as transcribed by Cillian Cunningham for Pundit Arena. “I wish the answer was that simple. It would be easier to move forward if we knew what happened. The word ‘stroke’ never came up. When the rumors came out my first thought was that it was clickbait. I never thought I wasn’t going to fight again. That never ever crossed my mind.”

Holloway also said his team tricked him into going to hospital, telling him a van was ready to transport him to media duties.

I’m a fighter. I wanted to fight,” said Holloway. “When they were telling me to go to the emergency room, I was begging them to let me fight. Hell, when I was doing interviews, there’s some the UFC didn’t even drop because I was horrible in them.

There was universal support for Holloway on the social network, including from past opponent Conor McGregor.

https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1014937903892398082

Man, I was humbled,” said Holloway. “I know we’re competitors in the Octagon but it gets to a point when you’re human. I wasn’t surprised by Conor’s message but it was great. So cool to see all these guys reaching out especially Aldo on Saturday.

Holloway also expressed support for Ortega, who turned down a short notice fight, even for an interim belt.

I’ve nothing but respect for him,” said the champ. “He is standing his ground and I respect that. The UFC has different guys who takes risk but Brian Ortega is staying true to himself and hopefully we can maybe get something done by the end of the year.