UFC 231: How Max Holloway dominated Brian Ortega feet-first, part 1

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty ImagesThere were a lot of mixed emotions, heading into UFC 231, at least for us fans of Max Holloway.

Earlier this year, Holloway stepped up on short notice to replace Khabib Nurmagomedov, hoping to add the lightweight strap to his collection. His opponent was to be top contender Tony Ferguson, who may yet prove to be the best lightweight in the world. Despite moving up a weight class, Holloway simply could not make the 155-pound limit with only six days to prepare. The doctors forbade him to fight.

Then, the defense against Brian Ortega was made. During the final weeks of that camp, the cut to 145 seemed almost as difficult as the quick drop Max had attempted…