‘Coaches don’t like point-down but it makes me feel alive’Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Max Holloway is a former UFC featherweight championByPaul BattisonBBC Sport journalistPublished4 minutes agoOf all the fighters to hold the UFC’s symbolic BMF title, Max Holloway stakes a claim to be the most deserving.The commemorative belt, which symbolises the UFC’s “baddest”, has been awarded to no-nonsense fighter Jorge Masvidal and knockout artist Justin Gaethje since its induction in 2019.Both have their share of career-defining moments in the UFC, but none quite as impactful as Holloway’s.At the landmark UFC 300 event in 2024, Holloway pointed to the ground with 10 seconds to go, inviting Gaethje to stand and trade blows.
With both fighters swinging wildly as the crowd erupted, it was Holloway who landed the defining blow with just one second to go, causing Gaethje to fall face-down into the canvas.
“You feel like ‘oh man, this is crazy. Let’s do this, this is the shot, the chance’,” Holloway tells BBC Sport.
“Gaethje was the right place, right time. Everything lined up.
“Being able to go toe to toe with one of the scariest punchers in the division makes you feel alive.”
