Justin Gathje wants to be the first to finish Max Holloway

31 January 2024

In an eagerly anticipated showdown, Justin Gaethje is determined to make a statement by attempting to finish Max Holloway in a manner the former featherweight champion has never experienced. Gaethje, the BMF titleholder, is set to defend his title against Holloway on April 13 at UFC 300 in Las Vegas.

Known for his explosive fighting style and an impressive 80% knockout rate in his 25 career victories, Gaethje is aiming to add another knockout to his record against Holloway. However, the challenge is heightened as Holloway has never been knocked out in his storied career.

Expressing his aspirations, Gaethje shared his pride in his knockout-heavy track record during an interview with ESPN. He highlighted his intention to maintain his knockout streak intentionally throughout his career. Gaethje drew a parallel with his past fight against Tony Ferguson, where he didn't secure a traditional knockout but inflicted enough damage for the fight to be rightfully stopped.

Gaethje, who claimed the BMF title with a head kick knockout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July, acknowledged the tough task ahead in facing Holloway. Despite Holloway moving up to the lightweight division for only the second time in his UFC career, Gaethje recognizes the formidable challenge posed by the former champion.

Reflecting on the potential dynamics of the fight, Gaethje emphasized the importance of finding Holloway's timing early, acknowledging that momentum is a critical factor in the octagon. Aware of Holloway's relentless pressure and ability to create angles, Gaethje anticipates a tough battle if he can't impose his game plan early in the fight.

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Holloway, who recently secured victories over Arnold Allen and Chan Sung Jung, will be competing at 155 pounds for just the second time in his UFC career. Gaethje's quest for a unique finish adds an extra layer of intrigue to the UFC 300 clash, promising fans a thrilling and unpredictable showdown between two of the sport's elite fighters.