In 2014, Max Holloway was arranged to fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov to compete for the drum Lightweight. Unfortunately he was withdrawn from the last minute by the New York Sports Committee. Sharing in a recent episode of the Podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Holloway recalled the past and admitted that he was still disappointed because the match did not happen.
“I worked with nutritionists George Lockhart to prepare for the match,” Holloway recalled. “We called the doctor, we had a conversation, and then the doctor made a strange interview about 'This is the biggest cutting we have done …'
“And then the first thing happened when I landed, a doctor came to see me, not from UFC but from the New York Committee.” Holloway added. “And then they told me that they would check every day. I thought,” What the hell is it? “
“I only need to reduce four more pounds to reach the necessary scale,” Holloway said. “My thoughts at that time were“ it's difficult, but I will achieve that. I know I will do it. ”
“And then the committee's doctors came to check, at that time only a few hours before the official weight. They looked at me and said,” You don't look good. You can't fight.
“I answered,” I was about to fight, I was squeezing weight. I am quite sure that Vi pressed weight, I would not look as full as I first met you on the second day. Is that normal? “
However, New York doctors still decided to let Max Holloway withdraw from the match against Khabib Nurmagomedov. That made him regret until today.
“The opportunity to confront fighters with stature like Nurmagomedov is not much. Moreover, I am proud to always fight anyone, anywhere, anytime, any weight class,” Holloway said.