Michael Chandler feared for Justin Gaethje’s life after Max Holloway knocked him out cold at UFC 300
UFC 300 took place this past weekend and brought with it some moments that will be remembered for years to come. On a night when the promotion’s biggest stars shined, there were some surprising finishes and knockouts. However, one of them, Michael Chandler, was really worried about the fighter’s safety.
For those who don’t know, the UFC’s commemorative third centennial PPV event took place on April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena. By stacking a card from top to bottom, fans, experts and fighters were able to see a scene that would go down. In the history of combat sports. On the night, 12 former and current world champions took to the Octagon and delivered as many had hoped.
What a co 🤯@BlessedMMA Just blew the roof off T-Mobile 🚨 #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/7g0xJXESc4
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Among the numerous highlights was Alex Pereira’s stunning knockout of former champion Jamahal Hill. At the same time, the main talking point of the night came from Max Holloway as he knocked out Justin Gaethje in the closing moments of their BMF title fight. Although their fight was considered to be laden with violence, the final sequence was one that shocked people in the arena and around the world.
Michael Chandler expresses concern for Justin Gaethje after UFC 300 KO loss
Notably, Michael Chandler was one of the many UFC fighters in the crowd for the event. After competing against Justin Gaethje at UFC 268, Chandler is well aware of the fighter’s strength and durability. As such, watching her get slammed by Max Holloway the way she did always evokes a lot of emotion.
Speaking in a recent interview with TheMacLife, ‘Iron’ revealed what was going through his mind as he witnessed the market-beating knockout:
“My first instinct was praying to God that (Justin) Gaethje would get up and be okay, ’cause it was hard to see him broken down.”
“That’s why we love this athlete. That’s why we love guys like Gaethje, we love guys like Holloway, I’m one of those guys, where people are watching.
“Gaethje would have been like, ‘Oh forget it, I’m probably going to tiptoe for the next ten seconds of losing the fight. But, going thither, the leathern sling, abandons complete recklessness, and falls flat.”
Interestingly, Michael Chandler admits here that he wants to face Max Holloway, possibly for the BMF title one day. Seeing that he, Gaethje and Holloway are a dying breed, ready to leave the Octagon, Michael believes that fighting such competitors is essential to his career and legacy.
Michael Chandler doubles down on his predictions for the Conor McGregor fight
Notably, UFC 300 brought some good news for Michael Chandler. After nearly two years of back and forth, the 37-year-old finally made his desire to fight Conor McGregor official. A matchup that has been awaited for quite some time, will take place at UFC 303 on June 29th during International Fight Week.
In the end, after pinning for the fight and almost embarra*sing himself for it at times, Chandler gets the fight he was promised. Now, with no holds barred, the fight will proceed to a 5-round contest set at 170 pounds. Throughout the buildup, Chandler predicted a Round 2 finish for ‘The Notorious One’.
It’s official!!
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler #UFC303!! pic.twitter.com/OAXKJt62vz
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 14, 2024
“I still see results the same way. I think I’ll put him on his back foot in the first round. Second guess him in the first round, start sinking him in the first round, and then finish him off in the second.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be a KO or a choke, force him to give up his back and neck. But, I think it’s going to be the end of the second round and it hasn’t changed as my ‘Mystic Mike’ prediction.”
For the most part, a win over Conor McGregor would put Michael Chandler in a very favorable position. Currently 2-3 in the UFC, Chandler needs a big win to make a lightweight title push. As he sees himself nearing the end of his career, putting himself in a position to win and retain a belt will be a top priority for the fighter.