UFC 300 draws ever closer with fans, fighters, and experts all hyped to see how the night unfolds. In what will, in all honesty, be one of the greatest nights in combat sports history, we will be treated to some epic fights. As such, the BMF title fight between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway will certainly be at the top of everybody’s list.
For those unaware, Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway is all set to make the move up to lightweight in order to challenge for Justin Gaethje’s BMF title. Since its reintroduction last year, ‘The Highlight’ was able to claim the coveted title by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291.
The BMF title will be on the line at #UFC300 🚨@Justin_Gaethje & @BlessedMMA collide in a 5-round lightweight bout to see who’s the BADDEST of them all! pic.twitter.com/1TJE1h1cPT
— UFC (@ufc) January 17, 2024
Thereafter, in a rather surprising turn of events, Gaethje, who was presumed to be next to face Islam Makhachev was announced to be facing Holloway. On the other hand, the Hawaiian was expected to face the winner of Alexander Volkanovski vs Ilia Topuria. Instead, the two will now throw down in what has been labeled as the ‘people’s main event’.
Demetrious Johnson picks Max Holloway to beat Justin Gaethje at UFC 300
Naturally, there will be many fans who will be torn, having to pick between two fan favorites to win the fight. After all, Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje are two of the most beloved fighters owing to everything they have accomplished in their respective careers. However, the general consensus is leaning towards Gaethje, seeing that the contest is at his natural 155lbs weight class.
However, in a recent interview with Michael Bisping, one of the most brilliant analytical minds in the sport, Demetrious Johnson revealed that he was picking Max Holloway to win:
“I’m going with my buddy Max (Holloway). I think Max has the tools to get it done as long as he moves his head. Justin (Gaethje) likes to box and throw his leg kicks, sometimes you see him grapple, but I think this is going to be on the feet and I think Max has the better range management, but we’ll see, it’s a fight.”
According to the former flyweight king, Holloway possesses more tools to win the fight. Not only is he better suited to lightweight due to his frame, but the 32-year-old has also worked to fully transition to the weight class. In the past, Holloway lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 236, having moved up on short notice. Now, with proper time and preparation under the belt, he will be a much different fighter.
Max Holloway looks to be in tremendous shape ahead of BMF title fight
Coming into this one, a lot has been made of Max Holloway and his preparations for the upcoming fight. Moreover, it is important to note that Holloway’s move up to lightweight is not a ‘one and done’. If he is to beat Justin Gaethje in their upcoming fight, Max fully intends to go for Islam Makhachev’s lightweight throne next.
Ahead of the fight, we’ve seen a shift in Holloway’s demeanor. Not only does he seem less friendlier, but he has also been quite ruthless in his practice. Notably, Max also went through a lot of sparring sessions in preparation for this fight. Having condoned other fighters from sparring in the past, Holloway felt that sparring led to a lot of injuries among fighters.
At the same time, the former featherweight champ likely feels compelled to pull out all the stops for this one. As such, he is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations, something that will likely aid him in his conquest of the BMF title. All things considered, it must also be added that Max Holloway is also open to returning to featherweight again, should the opportunity to fight for the title present itself.
