Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje delivered a riveting showdown at UFC 300, ending with Holloway securing a spectacular KO just one second before the final bell.
Holloway showcased his mastery in the Octagon, nearly claiming a unanimous decision win. However, in the dying seconds, he invited Gaethje to trade punches, landing a powerful right hand at 4:59 in the fifth round, leaving Gaethje unconscious on the canvas.
Post-fight, the two warriors shared a heartwarming embrace backstage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, demonstrating mutual respect. “Why the heck do you hit so hard?” Holloway quipped to Gaethje, who responded about his sore leg.
Despite Gaethje’s Knockout of the Year contender defeat, he reassured fans of his well-being. “I’m in great spirits with my family,” he shared on social media, thanking fans for their support.
Fans praised both fighters for their performance, with one calling Gaethje an “absolute savage,” and another expressing gratitude for witnessing the “history” made by both fighters.
Gaethje also praised Holloway’s performance, tweeting, “@BlessedMMA you’re a dog. Congrats. Well deserved double bonus #ufc300.”
In a bonus twist, Dana White increased the bonus money from $50,000 to $300,000 for UFC 300. Holloway, after his knockout win, demanded the biggest bonus ever. “I want $600,000,” he declared, securing ‘Fight of the Night’ and ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses alongside Jiri Prochazka.
Challenging Gaethje for the BMF belt, Holloway showcased his boxing prowess over 24 minutes and 59 seconds, outstriking Gaethje in every round and possibly breaking his nose with a spinning kick.
Post-fight, Holloway called out both 145 lbs champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight champ Islam Makhachev for a title fight. Topuria confirmed his next fight would indeed be against Holloway, hinting at an upcoming showdown in Madrid, Spain.
Credit: Talksport
