Alex Pereira on Saturday left no doubt he was the true light heavyweight champion in the main event, knocking out Jamahal Hill 3 minutes, 14 seconds into the first round, but the lasting image of UFC 300, one that would likely resonate for years to come, was Max Holloway’s last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje for the ceremonial BMF title belt.
Holloway-Gaethje was arguably the most anticipated fight on the loaded card, and it not only lived up to expectations, but surpassed them before a sellout crowd of 20,067 that roared over the final seconds and its stunning conclusion.
“That fight sucked the life out of everybody tonight,” UFC president Dana White said. “People ask me what I do. I sell holy shit moments. That was the ultimate holy shit moment. Let’s just talk about his fight for the rest of the press conference.”
Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY
The UFC — which had its third-highest gate at US$16.5 million — awarded Holloway a US$600,000 bonus for his performance.
Even though Holloway (26-7) was well on his way to a victory by decision — two judges had him ahead 39-37 — the former featherweight champion could have run out the clock.
He instead pointed to the floor in the final seconds and then traded blows with Gaethje (25-5). It was a tremendous combination of punches from both fighters before the one that sent the now ex-BMF champ to the mat with just one second remaining in the five-round fight.
“This is the moment,” Holloway said about going for the KO. “This is what the BMF is known for. If that’s not a BMF moment, I don’t know what is. If Justin was up, he would’ve given me those 10 seconds.”
In the evening’s final fight, Pereira dropped Hill to the canvas with a straight left hand and then pounded him. Referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight, giving the Brazilian the victory.
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