In today’s announcement, UFC CEO Dana White revealed the highly anticipated Noche UFC card at ‘The Sphere’. Surprisingly, Max Holloway’s name was not on the list. After his biggest appearance at UFC 300 against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title, Holloway set his sights on reigning featherweight champion Ilya Topuria for his next fight
Holloway’s Reply
Max Holloway expressed disappointment that Noche was left out of a UFC event. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared by Championship Rounds, Holloway said, “This is how I feel about not being on The Sphere card… this is how I feel… sh*t sucks bro… feel damaged bro… it should have been our brother … It’s Mexican Independence Day, you guys can’t be Spanish, that’s why Mexicans regained their independence to be the theme of the card on Mexican Independence Day bro…”
Rumors and Speculation
There were rumors that Holloway and Topuria would fight at The Sphere, which would have put MMA in the spotlight. Both fighters were eager to face each other, throwing barbs back and forth. In a recent interview, Topuria blamed Holloway for the delay in their fight, saying, “It wasn’t because of me, they called me that Max Holloway has family issues, he’s having trouble cutting weight and he wants to fighting at a higher weight. Honestly, I don’t know. I have no idea.”
Fan Reactions
Holloway’s elimination from the Noche UFC card drew a strong reaction from fans. Many expressed disappointment but believed in Dana White to make a difference. Some fans disagreed with Holloway’s claim that a Spaniard had created the theme for the Mexican Independence Day event. Merab Dvalishvili, who is fighting Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight title, was claimed to be considered an “honorable Mexican” by the fan base. Dvalishvili showed up at a pre-fight press conference draped in the Mexican flag, dedicating his victory over Henry Cejudo at UFC 298 to the Mexican people
“Merab is an honorary Mexican, what do you say?” one fan commented. Another said, “Ilia isn’t even Spanish; He has 0% Spanish blood,” a reference to Topuria’s Georgian heritage.
The UFC’s Responsibility
Some fans argued that the UFC should have held two separate events: one at ‘The Sphere’ and the other on Mexican Independence Day. “Of course, if we’re real here, it’s in the UFC. They should have made the Sphere card and the Mexican Independence Day card two different issues,” said one fan.
Hope for change
Despite a special card defeat, fans believe there is still hope for Holloway. “Dana’s Mama can still make it happen,” said one fan, emphasizing Dana White’s ability to meet fans’ demands.
Some fans think Mexicans will love Holloway and Topuria headlining the event. “Mexicans don’t mind if Ilia and Max headline,” one fan said, expressing support for the match. Many believe the combination of Holloway’s martial prowess and Topuria’s rising star power will make it an electrifying special event.
The current situation has left Max Holloway and MMA fans in eager anticipation. Will the UFC management address his concerns and get him back in the octagon soon? Or will Holloway have to wait longer for his next fight? The MMA community eagerly awaits Dana White’s next move.
