Justin Gaethje says ‘precise and perfect’ Max Holloway was hard to beat after brutal knockout loss at UFC 300
Justin Gaethje reflects on his knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
Justin Gaethje reflects on knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 (Image via Imago/X)
Justin Gaethje became part of one the most iconic finishes in UFC history when he fought Max Holloway at UFC 300. ‘The Highlight’ was the first titleholder to go for a BMF title defense. However, things did not go according to plan, but Gaethje never backed out of giving credit to Holloway.
Justin Gaethje recently sat down for a conversation with UFC commentator, Jon Anik & former fighter Kenny Florian. During their conversation on the Anik & Florian podcast, Gaethje reflected on his viral knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300. ‘The Highlight’ also praised the former champion for his performance in the octagon.
My game plan wasn’t necessarily the correct game plan, but that’s always something you can know after the fact. I think he fought an amazing fight, and he was very precise and perfect that night, and that was a very tough Max Holloway to beat.Justin Gaethje on Anik and Florian
Max Holloway was the underdog going into the fight. ‘The Highlight’ was on a two-fight winning streak. He had brutally knocked out Dustin Poirier in his last fight to win the BMF title. However, once the fight began Holloway quickly picked up the pace. According to the judges’ scorecards, the former champion had won all the rounds except the fourth one. The fight would have likely gone to the judges had it not been for Holloway.
Everybody knows what happened and Holloway won by knockout with just one second left on the clock. At the octagon interview, Holloway called out featherweight champion, Ilia Topuria. As per rumors, the UFC is trying to set up a showoff between the two. Therefore, it is unlikely that fans will get to see a rematch anytime soon.
Justin Gaethje reveals what he would have done differently in his fight against Max Holloway
After the brutal last-second knockout, Justin Gaethje decided to take some time off from fighting. There is no official statement on when he would return. However, ‘The Highlight’ does know what he would have done differently if he could make some changes in his fight against Holloway.
On the Anik & Florian podcast, Gaethje recalled what he did in the fourth round of the fight. He believes he should have done the same throughout the fight, putting more pressure on the former champion instead of letting him come to him.
I think I would have pressured more, I would have tried to move forward and fight at not. I thought he would come to me, and then when he did come, it was far between, where it was so unpredictable and fast that I could, I didn’t see it or find it.
Justin Gaethje on Anik and Florian
A win against Holloway would have likely handed him a title shot. Gaethje had previously mentioned wanting to fight Holloway again. ‘The Highlight’ had exacted his revenge on Poirier and he would like to do the same with ‘Blessed’. It will be interesting to see how soon that happens if ever, and who does Justin Gaethje fight when he makes his comeback.
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Neial Nishant Bhuyan
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