Max  Holloway Disputes “Undisputed” Knockdown Record After Epic Fight with Gaethje

Max Holloway, a UFC legend known for his iron chin, is giving credit where credit is due, even if it means sacrificing a bit of his impressive record.

Holloway boasts an incredible stat: never being knocked down in his 29 UFC fights. This includes facing ferocious strikers like Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Conor McGregor. However, a recent fight has sparked debate.

During his UFC 300 battle against Justin Gaethje, a powerful blow from Gaethje seemed to momentarily wobble Holloway. Despite this, the official stats didn’t register it as a knockdown, and ESPN even tweeted about Holloway’s “unblemished record of resilience” remaining intact.

Holloway disagrees. On The Joe Rogan Experience, he acknowledged the knockdown and wants Gaethje to be recognized for it. “It didn’t count as a drop, which is crazy,” Holloway said. “They should give Justin that one.”

While the knockdown may have been short-lived, Holloway remembers the impact. “All I remember is getting hit, then sitting down, then coming back up,” he explained. He acknowledged Gaethje’s power and his own momentary vulnerability.

Despite the disputed knockdown, Holloway silenced doubters with a stunning knockout victory in the final seconds – a moment already etched in combat sports history.

At 32, retirement talk seems far-fetched for Holloway. His only losses in a decade came against Volkanovski and Poirier. He understands fans questioning him after the Volkanovski trilogy, but finds the lack of faith before UFC 300 surprising. 

“I’ve been fighting the best for years,” Holloway said. He emphasizes the importance of stylistic matchups, highlighting how recent results against other fighters don’t necessarily translate to him. 

UFC 300 was a clash of titans. Both fighters delivered an exciting four rounds, with Holloway edging ahead on the scorecards. The final seconds saw Holloway’s legendary chin tested once more, and he emerged victorious.

Even with the disputed knockdown, Holloway’s grit and fighting spirit were on full display. As he explained, the final moments were a calculated risk. “We were going to 10 seconds,” he said, highlighting his focus on securing the win in the closing moments.

Holloway’s journey is a testament to his dedication and fighting style. He embraces the challenge and thrives in the chaos. The debate over the knockdown may linger, but one thing’s for sure: Max Holloway remains a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.