Athletic Commission bars Max Holloway from UFC 223

M. Holloway was removed from UFC 223 (Photo: Reproduction Facebook ufc)

UFC 223's problems seem to have no end. Max Holloway, who would be the main fight of the night against Khabib Nurmagomedov, for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg.) was removed from the card and the show is without a main attraction. The featherweight champion was deemed incapable of competing by the New York Athletic Commission, the entity that sanctions the event. The information was released by journalist Ariel Helwani, from the MMA Fighting website.

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Committee doctors halted Holloway's weight cut to ensure the athlete's safety. Unsatisfied, the featherweight champion wanted to continue the dehydration process, but was stopped by the entity. According to a member of the Hawaiian's team, he was close to reaching the regulatory 70,3 kg for the title fight.

Late this Friday morning (06), Holloway used Twitter to send a message to Khabib. The Hawaiian explained the problem with the weight cut and even announced that former champion Anthonny Pettis will take his place in the main fight of the night.

“Khabib my brother I want to continue, but they are stopping me. Sorry to your team and fans. You do not deserve it. Good show to you and Anthonny Pettis. Give the fans what they deserve,” Holloway wrote.

Holloway's cut and the cancellation of the fight against Nurmagomedov marks the fourth fight removed from UFC 223 in the last 24 hours. Before, three duels were scrapped due to the confusion caused by Conor McGregor during Media Day.

Other casualties

Michael chiesa, who suffered a cut to his head from the van's broken window, was removed from the fight Anthony Pettis; Ray Borg was also removed from the show for damaging his eye with glass shards and will not face Brandon Moreno. Artem Lobov, who was in trouble with McGregor, was banned from the duel against Alex Caceres by the UFC itself.