UFC 300: Max Holloway's knockout of Justin Gaethje sends MMA world into meltdown

Tom Naghten

•
UFC 300: Max Holloway's knockout of Justin Gaethje sends MMA world into meltdown image

Former featherweight champion Max Holloway recorded one of the greatest knockouts of all time to steal the show at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.

The Hawaiian claimed the "BMF Title" with a dramatic last-second stoppage of the ultra-durable Justin Gaethje, shocking the MMA world.

Holloway turned in a virtuoso performance, outclassing Gaethje despite moving up to lightweight to take on the challenge.

With the exception of a brief knockdown, the first of his UFC career, Holloway had done more than enough to claim the decision victory over the first 24 minutes and 50 seconds of the bout.

Holloway then elevated his status from legend to icon with a moment that will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it.

Just like he did against Ricardo Lamas at UFC 199, "Blessed" pointed to the middle of the octagan and baited Gaethje into trading with him for the final seconds of the bout.

Needing little encouragement, Gaethje obliged and the pair swung wild haymakers at each other before Holloway landed an overhand right to send "The Highlight" crumbling to the mat, face first.

Referee Marc Goddard had seen enough and waved off the bout immediately,

There was just one second left on the clock.

Social media lit up in reaction to the fight and the crazy finish, while Joe Rogan suggested it might be the "greatest knockout ever" in commentary.

"I'm him. I'm him, guys," Holloway told the raucous crowd at the T-Mobile Arena, before calling out current 145-pound champ, Ilia Topuria, as well as lightweight king Islam Makhachev.

"'El Matador', he's running away from the bull at 145, tell him sign the damn contract. Spain, Hawaii, wherever.

"Even Islam, Islam is famous for defending against '45ers, right? I'm here, I'm right here."

Holloway then called for a pair of bonuses, which the UFC confirmed would be increased to $300,000 for the milestone pay-per-view.

"I want $600k, that was Fight of the Night and a bonus, baby," he said.

"Sign the checks."

Holloway ended up getting a $600K bonus.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.