UFC 300: Max Holloway takes 'BMF' title with 1 of the wildest KOs in MMA history
Max Holloway could have easily avoided this against Justin Gaethje, but he was unbothered. (Image credit: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Max Holloway is undoubtedly a tough and skilled fighter. In fact, he exceeds expectations and has exceptional abilities.
Max Holloway, who used to be the UFC featherweight champion, emerged victorious against the highly beloved Justin Gaethje during the UFC 300 event on Saturday. In an incredibly intense showdown, Holloway won the "BMF" belt as a symbol of his triumph. With just a few moments left, it was clear that Holloway was winning by a unanimous decision. However, he then gestured towards the center of the Octagon and challenged Gaethje to give it his all until the very end.
The outcome wasn't only the obvious winner for Knockout of the Year, but conceivably the most chaotic knockout in the 21-year existence of the UFC.
After the intense fight, Gaethje was found passed out and lying facedown on the mat while Holloway celebrated with a fierce roar. Though there were two other fights for titles scheduled, this was the most exciting and memorable moment of the night. It also marked a defining moment in the already impressive career of one of UFC's greatest fighters to date.
During the event, Holloway expressed his desire to have a championship bout against both featherweight supreme ruler, Ilia Topuria, and also lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev.
"I'm the one, folks! I'm the one!" Holloway exclaimed enthusiastically. "El Matador is fleeing from the raging bull, trying to stay alive. It's time to make a deal. Whether it's Spain, Hawaii, or even Islamic countries. Islam is well-known for its ability to withstand 45ers, isn't it? That's me, I'm right here."
No matter how heavy the opponent is, I am willing to fight like a warrior. I do not stress over it. If anyone wants to challenge me, just put your signature and we will begin the fight.
Holloway was rewarded with a bonus of $600,000 which seems well-deserved based on his performance. It's difficult to dispute that he didn't deserve it.
Max Holloway's Victory Turns Into Glory At UFC 300
In his second attempt at fighting in the lightweight division, Holloway, who is 32 years old, showed off some of his classic moves, outpacing Gaethje in every round at an impressively fast pace. Gaethje was already suffering from a heavily bleeding nose after the first round, and as the fight went on, he struggled to keep up with Holloway's performance.
In the first round, Holloway had a consistent lead and ended it with a remarkable move. He hit Gaethje's nose with a spinning backheel, causing Gaethje to wobble as the round ended. During the break, Gaethje was constantly holding and rubbing his nose, indicating that he might need a timeout.
In the second round, Holloway had the chance to fight against a hurt rival, but things didn't go well. During the match, Holloway accidentally poked Gaethje in the left eye and then in the right eye with his thumb a few moments later. Thankfully, Gaethje is a tough fighter who refused to let an eye poke end the fight. He took two timeouts to recover and insisted on continuing the match.
Holloway continuously landed punches in the third and a majority of the fourth round. He showed off his impressive striking skills, but suddenly, Gaethje surprised him with a hit that caused him to stumble and struggle for the remainder of the round. It is worth noting that Holloway holds the record for the most significant strikes in UFC history.
Holloway managed to stay alive. He had already secured the win in the fifth round, but then he took a bold move by entering a close quarters combat with one of the most formidable KO specialists in the competition.
The MMA performance was exceptional, and the audience was thrilled, but Gaethje took a beating and lost consciousness.
