Max Holloway, known for creating viral octagon moments, aims to replicate his memorable last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in his upcoming retirement fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, with hopes of earning a lightweight title shot.
Max Holloway never fails to create buzz in the octagon, but his last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 might just be his most unforgettable moment.
Even with a comfortable lead on the scorecards, Holloway threw caution to the wind. He pointed to the canvas, inviting Gaethje to brawl in the final seconds. That bold move paid off as Holloway delivered a punch that sent Gaethje crashing face-first with just one second left. Everyone watching was stunned.
As Holloway gears up for UFC 318 against Dustin Poirier in his retirement fight, one question lingers. Would he risk it all again?
“One hundred percent,” Holloway told MMA Fighting. He believes Poirier might even initiate the showdown. “If we get to the fifth round with 10 seconds left, I think he might beat me to it.”
Pointing to the canvas has become Holloway’s signature move, dating back to his fight with Ricardo Lamas in 2016. It’s a part of his legend now.
At UFC 300, Holloway became the talk of the event. If he pulls off something similar against Poirier, he could be on the fast track for a lightweight title shot.
“You and I know we live in a sport where moments are king,” Holloway said. Another iconic moment could catapult him back into title contention.
Holloway doesn’t need extra motivation for a title shot, but Ilia Topuria‘s rise adds a little push. After Topuria knocked him out at UFC 308, Holloway is eager for a rematch in their new weight class.
“I was ecstatic when they announced he was fighting for the undisputed title,” Holloway said about Topuria’s win over Charles Oliveira. He respects Topuria but relishes the chance to avenge his loss.
Holloway was impressed with Topuria even before their fight. Topuria’s victory over Oliveira was a brutal display, crowning him the new lightweight champion.
While Holloway is ready to fight whoever holds the belt, avenging a past loss to Topuria would be sweet. “Who didn’t see that fight?” Holloway remarked. He wasn’t surprised by Topuria’s performance.
For Holloway to re-enter the title conversation, he must defeat Poirier in his final fight. Their history dates back to Holloway’s UFC debut in 2012, and their rematch was a Fight of the Year candidate.
Holloway respects Poirier but isn’t backing down. “It sucks to be spoiler but it has to be done,” he said. He plans to send Poirier into retirement with a loss.
“When he’s riding off into the sunset, I’m still going to be here chugging along,” Holloway added. It’s a tough break for Poirier, but Holloway’s focused on making history.