It's on! ...again!
Max Holloway
As many of us MMA fans know, Max has had a very unfortunate year from 'illness' or 'injury'... call it what you will, its seems he has struggled to make weight. I know for the Khabib fight, it was a last minute replacement fight at UFC223, but even at 10lbs above his 145lbs champion weight-class, Max couldn't make 155 pounds and was deemed unfit to continue by the commission. He did only have 6 days to make weight, so that's tough! But it also highlights how much weight some fighters loose come fight week!
He then went on being deemed unfit to continue by the commission at UFC226, where he was showing signs of a concussion, and really did not seem himself. I believe it came down to 'water poisoning' - correct me if I am wrong. Thus, the Max vs Brian fight was cancelled.
Either way, its been a tough 2018 for the Hawaiian champion, lets hope the latter part of the year goes his way!
Brian Ortega
We know Ortega knocked out Edgar on a late notice fight, and then was granted a title shot against Holloway. When Holloway pulled out, Dana, along with some fans, were disappointed in Ortega for not taking a fight on short notice. I can understand his decision as he wanted a title fight only, and maybe he wasn't presented with an offer he was happy with, but on the other hand, we heard that Jeremy 'Lil Heathen' Stevens was ready to go if Brian wanted it. Either way, Brian didn't fight on that night.Do you think Brian lost any respect/fans for not taking a fight on short notice?
Well fight fans, we are blessed with the (not yet UFC official) announcement that these 2 warriors will trade leather for the featherweight title at UFC231!
Predictions and Thoughts?
Firstly, I want to quickly mention size. To me, Brian Ortega always looks huge! Like... HUGE compared to his opponents. I know for a fact that Max is a massive 145'er, so it will be interesting to see these tow lock horns.
I feel that Max's pressure could overwhelm Ortega, however, Ortega's calm and relaxed fight style may give him the opening to take Max down and finish him on the floor. We know that Ortega hits hard, so I'm sure he wont have any problems to stand and bang! This is a fight I am pumped for! Both are incredible and we truly are in an amazing era for MMA - dare I say the best era....? Arguably! I'll save that for another post and discussion...
I can't really call this one as I can't see either loosing... but hell I'm going with Max! TKO!
To be the best you gotta beat the best, and the best is blessed ;)
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