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UFC BMF champ Max Holloway says injury likely to sideline him for rest of 2025

UFC BMF champ Max Holloway says injury likely to sideline him for rest of 2025

USA Today01-08-2025
Max Holloway doesn't expect to see the octagon again this year after spoiling Dustin Poirier's retirement fight at UFC 318 in July.
Reigning UFC BMF champion Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) revealed Friday that a lingering hand injury stemming from his unanimous decision win over Poirier in New Orleans is causing more problems than expected, and it likely will prevent him from fighting again in the next few months.
"My right hand still hurts," Holloway said on his YouTube channel. "If you have hopes of me fighting before the end of the year, probably not going to happen."
Holloway, 33, said he wouldn't specify the exact nature of the injury at this time. He needs additional testing done on it to determine recovery methods and a timeline, then he can determine where he fits in the red-hot lightweight division based on when he's cleared to compete.
"I see a specialist some time this week," Holloway said. "Things are not looking too up of me fighting one more time this year."
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