Even with UFC gold on the horizon, Justin Gaethje won’t be looking past Max Holloway at UFC 300.
This weekend will see Gaethje defend his BMF title against former featherweight champion, Max ‘Blessed’ Holloway. ‘The Highlight’ returns to the Octagon for the first time since July, where he scored an emphatic head-kick KO against Dustin Poirier.
Justin Gaethje on UFC 300 With Max Holloway
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday, he made it clear that he is fully aware of what a win would do for him. It would be his third consecutive win against elite competition at lightweight – making him a prime candidate for another title shot.
“I know with a win here, I fight for the (lightweight) belt. I know with a loss here, that all goes away. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
Gaethje last challenged for a title in May of 2022, when he took on Charlies Oliveira for the lightweight belt. An early knockdown for Gaethje wasn’t enough to stop ‘do Bronx’, who was able to rally and submit Justin in the first round.
Since then, he has stayed active in his pursuit of another chance at the belt. A split-decision victory over streaking muay-thai striker Rafael Fiziev would begin this run, followed by the aforementioned KO of Poirier.
Do or Die: a BMF Attitude
When questioned about potential fights he may be interested in before hanging up the gloves, Gaethje gave a response as cold as it was transparent.
“I’m a quarter-mile at a time kind of guy. I do not look too far ahead. Honestly, I have no clue what the future holds. I don’t usually plan on being alive the day after my fights, so hopefully I’m there on Sunday.”
It would be fair to say that this attitude is an ultimate reflection of how Gaethje fights. Nicknamed ‘The Highlight’ for a reason, he has secured 12 performance bonuses in his 12 UFC bouts, with only 2 fights going to decision.
“I don’t play what-ifs, but you don’t pass up a championship opportunity. I do want my time (off). I do think June would probably be impossible for me, as every time I fight is a traumatic life experience. I need to go home and unwind, take care of my body, take care of my head. But I have coaches and a manager who ultimately make those decisions, so if they say, ‘Go,’ I go.”
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
