Justin Gaethje has an idea in mind for what he wants to do to Max Holloway at UFC 300, and it’s not for the squeamish.
Although Gaethje (25-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC) has immense respect for the former featherweight champion Holloway (25-7 MMA, 21-7 UFC), he plans to enter the BMF title fight at UFC 300 with very bad intentions.
“I think that (a doctor stoppage is) the best case scenario,” Gaethje told MMA Junkie. “I have a lot of respect for Max. If I can cut his eye, break his arm, cause him to not be able to walk anymore, that sounds like an ideal situation for me rather than putting him to sleep. But I know he’s going to be trying knock me out, so I will have no hard feelings to myself, to anything, if I do put him to sleep.”
Many have anticipated that this fight between two high-volume strikers with incredible chins will lead to both fighters leaving a piece of themselves inside the T-Mobile arena. Gaethje is well aware of the potential, but hopes that fans express that concern on both sides of the cage.
“I think so but I hope they’re concerned about me,” Gaethje responded when asked about fan concern. “He has the ability to hurt me just the same. This is a dangerous business, and luckily for me, it’s not too crazy because it’s normal. It’s normal for me now.
“It’s what I do. It’s the game. It’s the game that I play and the game of my life so I’ve really embraced what I do and who I am and my ability to create damage. It doesn’t matter who is standing across from me that night. They signed the contract and it’s time to win.”
While the fight could unfold in several ways given the dynamics between the two high-level strikers, Gaethje would like to do something never done before to put a feather in his cap.
“I think so because that would definitely show that I’m winning the fight, and that’s the most important thing,” Gaethje said when asked if knocking down Holloway would mean something special. “I’ve just got to be myself, be ready, be very cautious, be defensively sound, and be ready to be faster from Point A to Point B, like I’ve always been.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 300.
