Max Holloway, UFC 300 ceremonial weigh-in Credit score: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
We proceed our yr finish awards with our 2024 Knockout of the Yr, and being trustworthy, there wasn’t a lot debate. That’s what occurs when you have got a extremely anticipated struggle between two fan-favorites that ends in a “did you just see that?!?” second on the final second. So, let’s get proper to our choice course of, however you’ve little doubt guessed this one already.
Knockout of the Yr 2024
Eddie Regulation: Holloway KO’s Gaethje. Is there every other selection right here? All the naysayers occurring and on about Gaethje’s energy all needed to eat crow at UFC 300. After dominating, sure dominating, Gaethje and on his approach to a clear determination victory, Holloway pointed to the bottom and slug it out within the remaining seconds scoring a buzzer-beating savage knockout. Actual BMF-ish.
Jay Anderson: You need to give this one to Max Holloway. He claimed the UFC‘s “BMF” title, which all of us thought could be a one-off, with a timeless efficiency at UFC 300. Classic Holloway, after which, properly forward within the struggle, he factors to the ground and engages in a firefight with Justin Gaethje, a person just about nobody needs to interact in a firefight with. The knockout coming on the final second made this the stuff of legend.
Gabriel Gonzalez: Max Holloway In opposition to Justin Gaethje. To say it was iconic could be an understatement. Set in opposition to the backdrop of the seminal UFC 300, in opposition to an electrifying and intimidating light-weight drive in Justin Gaethje, and on the finish of a brilliantly carried out struggle, Holloway went from famous person to residing legend with a knockout for the ages. Most significantly: it was distinctly Max. He delivered as solely he does and in a manner solely he can.
Bryson Hester: Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje. I want there could possibly be two KOs of the Yr for 2024. Vinicius Oliveria’s flying knee KO over Sopaj was wonderful however had not one of the intangibles. A KO within the final second of a 5 spherical title struggle within the folks’s essential occasion of the historic UFC 300 card. It fairly actually doesn’t get any higher than that. Making an allowance for the arrange of the end with Max Holloway pointing on the floor to swing to the end and Gaethje bravely obliging him. Only a excellent second.
Patrick McCorry: Ion Surdu vs. Kaik Brito, Oktagon 64. Now this can be a bit of little bit of bias, as I used to be on the occasion, nevertheless the top kick KO was magnificent. Shifting in on strikes and in brief vary touchdown an image excellent head kick KO to win the Welterweight title. Clearly Holloway Gaethje is the KO of the yr for a lot of, however I went with Surdu’s KO to select one thing completely different from the remainder, and since I used to be there dwell to witness it.
Cade Morehouse: Knockout of the Yr needs to be Max Holloway over Justin Gaethje. The construct up and anticipation for that struggle between two of the baddest, most revered guys on the planet and in sport of MMA was loopy they usually delivered. The way in which Max gave Justin an opportunity they usually went out with that kind of second for the followers will go down as among the best moments within the sports activities historical past, particularly with one second on the clock.
Brett Cagle: Max Holloway KO Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. When Max Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje after pointing on the floor and deciding to commerce it was some of the thrilling moments in UFC historical past. Holloway touchdown the knockout punch simply earlier than the buzzer will stay within the minds of followers for years to come back.
Mathis Desjardins: Max Holloway def. Justin Gaethje [UFC 300]. Sure, Ilia Topuria cracked Holloway’s legendary chin, Vinicius Oliveira and Shara Bullet’s KOs are exhausting to beat on type factors, however let’s not overthink this. Individuals had been scared for Holloway when this struggle was introduced, considering it was going to be a repeat of the final time he fought at light-weight, solely this time questioning his sturdiness as he was 5 years older. But, he outclassed Gaethje and whereas manner forward on the scorecards, he factors to the bottom and offers the heavy hitter an opportunity to make up for it just for him to be the one to place to different to sleep. The phrase “legendary” will get thrown round too usually, however on this case, it’s an understatement.
Finish outcome: Max Holloway wins our Knockout of the Yr award for 2024, by a landslide.
