Max Holloway Reveals Why ‘Greatest Highlight Reel in UFC History’ Felt Bitter-Sweet

Max Holloway reveals the pain and despair he felt after producing one of the greatest knockouts against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Max Holloway Reveals Why ‘Greatest Highlight Reel in UFC History’ Felt Bitter-Sweet

Max Holloway reflects on his UFC 300 win against Justin Gaethje (via UFC, MMA Fighting)

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In the world of combat sports, moments of triumph often come with an unseen emotional weight. Fighters dedicate their lives to achieving glory inside the cage, but those defining highlights can sometimes be more complicated than they appear. Max Holloway experienced exactly that after one of the most unforgettable moments of his career against Justin Gaethje.

The former featherweight champion delivered a walk-off knockout against Gaethje at UFC 300, a finish that instantly went viral and was hailed as one of the greatest highlights in UFC history. With just seconds left in the fight, ‘Blessed’ pointed to the center of the Octagon and exchanged with Gaethje before landing the decisive blow that ended the contest dramatically.

Gaethje is one of the most liked and respected fighters in the lightweight division due to his humble personality and the absolute wars he showcases in the cage. Holloway recently spoke out about the knockout in an interview with the UFC, revealing that he initially felt an adrenaline rush. However, he later realized the gravity and seriousness of what he had done.

He’s just a great dude, you know, and to be on the winning side of history is always great, but to do it against a guy like Justin was just, I mean, I was hyped in the moment, but when it all sank in, I like him as a person. It definitely sucks, but it’s one of the moments in the history books, so that’s cool.

Max Holloway via UFC

The spectacle brought Holloway a fresh wave of recognition, as his victory secured him the symbolic BMF title and reinforced his reputation as one of the UFC’s most thrilling performers. The finish captured the attention of the global MMA audience and was replayed across platforms as a showcase of both skill and showmanship. Holloway also acknowledged Gaethje’s prowess after the fight.

In the fights that followed, Holloway’s career took substantial turns. Later in 2024, he challenged Ilia Topuria for the featherweight Championship at UFC 308 and suffered the first knockout loss of his career. Then, in 2025 at UFC 318, he defended the BMF title against Dustin Poirier in the latter’s retirement bout and won by unanimous decision, marking his first victory over Poirier in their trilogy.

The intersection of triumph and empathy in Max Holloway’s reflection underscores a deeper dimension of fighting at the highest level. While the knockout will be celebrated in highlight reels for years, the personal reconciliation of its impact is a quieter story that leaves a memory both iconic and reflective.

Max Holloway unboxes the awards he won for the Justin Gaethje fight at UFC 300

In every sport, some moments transcend the usual measures of success, becoming symbols of an athlete’s greatness. For Max Holloway, one of those moments came through recognition of his achievements at UFC 300, where his performance went down as one of the defining highlights in mixed martial arts history.

Max Holloway vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 300
Max Holloway vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 (via MMA Fighting)

Holloway was honored with three major accolades: Performance of the Year, Fight of the Year, and Knockout of the Year, for his battle with Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. The bout was already celebrated as one of the most dramatic contests in recent years, and Holloway’s walk-off finish in the closing seconds elevated it to legendary status.

The recognition also carried significance for the trajectory of Max Holloway’s career. Already a former featherweight champion and established veteran, these awards reinforced his reputation as one of the sport’s premier performers across multiple divisions. They highlighted his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, ensuring his fight with Justin Gaethje would remain a cornerstone of UFC history.

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