UFC 300 is set to feature a thrilling lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway for the BMF title. This matchup is seen as “the people’s main event” with Gaethje looking to defend the BMF title against Holloway.
Max Holloway Knocks Out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300
Justin Gaethje, also known as “The Highlight,” comes into this fight with a record of 25-4-0. Gaethje is known for his powerful striking, leg kicks and robust defensive skills. He has a notable striking accuracy of 60% and lands an impressive average of 7.35 significant strikes per minute. Gaethje’s approach to fights is straightforward and devastating; he aims to inflict significant damage on his opponents, often leading to TKO/KO stoppages. He currently has 7 wins in his last 9 bouts, with losses only to former champions Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje looks to crack the chin of the juggernaut Holloway, who has never been dropped in his mixed martial arts career.
Max Holloway
Max Holloway, nicknamed “Blessed,” holds a record of 25-7-0. Holloway is a former featherweight champion who is celebrated for his volume striking and resilience. A fan favourite, he lands about 7.17 significant strikes per minute with a striking accuracy of 47%. Despite being slightly shorter in reach compared to Gaethje, Holloway’s endurance and ability to maintain a high pace throughout bouts have made him a dangerous opponent. He is considered one of, if not the featherweight GOATs. He looks to carry his skills up to the heavier weight class of lightweight, where he may stay if he defeats one of the toughest men in the division in Gaethje.
Fight Analysis
The fight is expected to be intensely competitive, with both fighters having aggressive striking styles. Gaethje has predicted a tough fight, possibly ending in a doctor’s stoppage due to the injuries he intends to inflict. Holloway, known for his ability to absorb and continue under pressure, will look to leverage his high-volume striking to outpace Gaethje. Both fighters are nearly equal in terms of physical stats, with only slight differences in reach and fight records, which suggests that the bout could be closely contested. Gaethje’s strategy might include using his powerful strikes and leg kicks to slow Holloway down, while Holloway might focus on outstriking Gaethje with his superior volume and precision.
What Happened?
Round 1 Justin Gaethje immediately looks to utilise calf kicks to limit Max’s mobility and boxing combinations. Max in the meantime patiently glides around Gaethje picking his shots utilisng his jab to the body and head of Gaethje. Max also landed a left hook that stunned Gaethje. In the final seconds of the round Holloway landed a spinnning back kick on Gaethje’s nose and breaking it. This severly limited Gaethje’s breathing. Round 2 saw Max open up more utilising his body kicks and investing in body shots. Gaethje continued to land calf kicks but less frequently Max checking or avoiding a few. Holloway did also poke Gaethje in the eye twice this round with unintentional eyepokes. Round 3 Holloway continues his success utuiling body kicks and spinning back kicks. Max also had continued success with his boxing dropping Gaethje and landing body shots.
Round 4 saw more success for Gaethje who started utilising his jab to greater effect. Gaethje also saw more success with the right hand. Holloway continued to land boxing combinations on Justin stunning him with a right uppercut left hook. But Gaethje did knock down Holloway for the first time in his career and had him on wobbly legs. But, Holloway survived the adversity and the end of the round. Round 5 was Holloways best round landing frequent spinning back kicks to the body and punches. Max wobbled Gaethje with a right hand and piled on the pressure landing combinations. And as the bell for the final 10 seconds went Holloway signalled Justin to go to the centre. Both fighters swang for the fences Max connecting with a right hand 2 seconds to spare Knocking out Gaethje.
The world is Max Holloways oyster calling out Ilia Topuria and Islam Makachev after a masterful performance over Gaethje.
