Max Holloway issues statement on UFC 222 withdrawal, wanted to fight 'handicapped'

UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway says he fought valiantly to remain in the UFC 222 headliner before ultimately being forced to pull the plug.

Holloway (19-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC) withdraw from a fight for the first time in his career after a leg injury removed him from his scheduled title defense against Frankie Edgar (22-5-1 MMA, 16-5-1 UFC) at UFC 222, which takes place March 3 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In his first statement since news of his withdrawal today, a rather spirited “Blessed” made it clear he wanted to compete up until the time he was ruled out (via Twitter):

Holloway’s UFC 222 withdrawal marked the second time his fight with Edgar has been scratched. They were first scheduled for UFC 218 in December, but former UFC lightweight champ Edgar pulled out with an injury.

The Hawaiian titleholder said he hopes to get back in the octagon and fight Edgar as quickly as he can, but for now he’s indulging (via Twitter):

For more on UFC 222, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.