This could be a career altering defeat for Max. He's tough as fuck, with an incredible chin, and is always in amazing shape. He's going to endure some fucking shit! How much he can take will depend on him.
The UFC is totally irresponsible for making this fight. Max is a bad motherfucker but, he's also the 145 champ who's only defended 1 time...He has some very real problems for him at 145. A fight like this could not only impact Max's his career in a negative way, but also further hold up another division.
My fear is that the only reason this fight is taking place is because of the UFC's aspirations for the slight possibility that Max wins and sets up Max vs Conor 2...A fight I truly think Conor would be willing to actually take.
If they are willing to risk so much to achieve a short term goal like this? I'm worried.
From a short term business perspective, I can perfectly understand why they would try this. But that also would stipulate that the people who own the company don't give 2 fucks about the competitive sport of MMA and are very concerned about making as much money as possible right now instead of building towards the future.
The truth is this.
Max should be getting ready to fight Ortega, and Khabib should be fighting the highest ranked LW who was willing to take the fight.
I'm honestly concerned for the future of Max's career....But heh, shocking the fuck out of me sounds just about right...
