Gaethje remembers tough defeat to Holloway and admits crucial mistake against rival: 'I would have to…'

Max Holloway strike Justin gaethje No. UFC 300. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Brutally knocked out in the 'Fight of the Night' award UFC 300, Justin gaethje opened the game and commented on the performance and strategy carried out against Max Holloway at that night. Scheduled to defend the BMF title, the fighter admitted that his rival was perfect during the fight and highlighted what he could have done differently to hinder the Hawaiian in the fight.

“I didn’t feel exhausted in there, which I suppose would have been the repercussions of breaking my nose and not being able to use it. My game plan wasn't necessarily the right game plan, but that's something you can only (worry about) after the fact. (Max Holloway) was very precise, perfect that night. I think I should have pushed harder, I would have tried to move forward. I thought he would come to me more and when he did, it was very unpredictable,” admitted Gaethje in an interview with Anik & Florian Podcast.

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In a confrontation that lasted 24 minutes and 59 seconds, Gaethje and Holloway delivered an electrifying battle to the audience at the T-Mobile Arena, in Las Vegas (USA). In the final seconds of the fight, even though he won on the judges' scorecards, the Hawaiian called on his compatriot to exchange punches in the center of the Octagon and ended up knocking Justin out in a brutal manner.

Max Holloway in knockout over Justin gaethje (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

PUBLICITY:

Determined to take the necessary time to recover from the damage, Gaethje currently has no fight scheduled in the organization. The fighter currently occupies third place in the lightweight rankings (up to 70,3kg).