Max Holloway reintroduced hard sparring into his training for UFC 300, resulting in a dominant performance and a last-second knockout against Justin Gaethje, despite previously avoiding sparring due to its potential long-term health risks.
Max Holloway, the MMA fighter, made a strategic decision. He decided to eliminate hard sparring from his training camps. His long-term health was his main concern. However, things took a turn for UFC 300.
Holloway spoke about his opponent, Justin Gaethje, on The Pat McAfee Show. He described Gaethje’s journey as “going through the gates of hell.” Holloway had to revert to his old training methods. He brought back sparring and even cut his hair. He gave credit to his teammates and coaches for their support.
In the past, Holloway found sparring to be problematic. It led to too many issues, particularly when he sparred with his teammates. He felt he was just fighting in the gym, not learning or preparing. His focus was not on getting ready for a specific opponent.
Holloway explained why he had given up sparring. He said, “we have so many wars.” He felt the need to move with his training partners. If they started going hard, he would have to adapt. He didn’t want to lose, so he would switch to a better strategy.
He described their sparring sessions. They sparred at a certain speed, so his partners could give him the look he needed. This new approach proved to be beneficial. Holloway delivered one of his best performances against top lightweight contender Gaethje.
Despite leading on the scorecards, Holloway took a risk. He stomped to the center of the cage, pointed to the floor, and invited Gaethje to fight. This was his plan all along, regardless of the outcome on Saturday night.
Holloway spoke about the ‘BMF’ title. He said, “None of us are stepping back.” He was prepared to swing for the fences in the last 10 seconds, regardless of who was winning. He felt honored to share the octagon with Gaethje, whom he called a legend.
In the end, Gaethje got the worst of it. Holloway scored a dramatic, last-second knockout. However, the new “BMF” champion didn’t walk away unharmed. UFC CEO Dana White noted that Holloway’s leg had severe swelling from Gaethje’s kicks. Holloway confirmed this on Monday.
Holloway compared Gaethje’s kicks to those of a donkey or a kangaroo. He said, “The guy kicks hard.” Despite the pain, Holloway was content. His performance earned him a $600,000 bonus.
Holloway admitted he’s watched the knockout hundreds of times. He said it was unavoidable. He loved the moment, but he enjoyed the reactions of other fighters even more. He found it amazing to see his peers react like fans. He mentioned Joe Rogan and Dana White’s reactions. He hoped to replicate the moment and do even better.