Max Holloway delivered one of the absolute best knockouts in mixed martial arts (MMA) history by icing Justin Gaethje with one second remaining in their “BMF” title fight at UFC 300 last night (Sat., April 13, 2024) in Las Vegas, Nevada (video replay here).
Even Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO, Dana White, couldn’t believe his eyes after witnessing the “ultimate holy sh-t” moment that netted “Blessed” a whopping $600,000 in post-fight bonuses.
But while everyone was singing Holloway’s praises (and rightfully so), the former Featherweight champion of the world says it is still only the second best moment of his entire combat career, revealing that there is one performance that trumps what happened last night.
“For me personally it’s second. There is nothing like going out to Rio and fighting “The King of Rio” and getting an undisputed title against him is amazing,” proclaimed Holloway during the post-fight presser.
Holloway is referring to his first 145-pound title fight against Hall of Famer Jose Aldo, which occurred at UFC 212 in June 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Coming into the title unification bout, Holloway was riding high after claiming the interim strap by knocking out Anthony Pettis at UFC 206, earning him his first taste of UFC gold.
He followed up that blistering finish by putting it on Aldo, finishing him in the third round to become undisputed champion. Six months later, “Blessed” would defeat Aldo in the rematch at UFC 218 and go on to defend it it two more times before dropping it to Alexander Volkanovski.
While last night’s epic performance and finish will forever hold a special place in Holloway’s heart (and bank account), the ex-145-pound champion was quick to give Gaethje his due respect for his part in it all.
“Shout out to Justin Gaethje, brother. He had everything to lose and he still took this fight. It’s UFC 300, the biggest fight card for the next decade, probably, and to go out there and do what we did.
“We both got paid so I am happy for that. And the fans for pushing home to this fight, Justin accepting the fight, getting my floral shorts, crazy championship fight, it was an amazing night.”
Gaethje collected his own $300,000 “Fight of the Night” check, his thirteenth post-fight bonus award in 13 fights with the promotion.
As far as what’s next for Holloway, he is looking forward to a potential championship fight against current Featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria, who has seemingly already accepted the challenge should that be what the powers that be decide to do next.
For complete UFC 300 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.