Despite already securing victory, Holloway famously gestured to the mat, inviting a slugfest in the closing moments of his 2024 BMF title clash against Justin Gaethje. “Blessed” then dramatically floored Gaethje precisely as the final bell chimed, delivering one of contemporary MMA’s most spectacular finishes. Holloway’s challenge to opponents for a late-fight brawl has since become a signature move. However, Holloway recently divulged that his coaching staff strongly disapproves of this tactic. While his coaches consistently advise against engaging in brawls, Holloway asserts his right to those final 10 seconds, particularly after diligently adhering to their strategy for the preceding rounds.
‘They Can’t Stand It’
“They despise it,” he shared during an interview on Freestylebender. “They constantly tell me not to do that, to just evade. I tell them, ‘Coaches, I appreciate you, but you crafted the game plan. You made me fight this way for the entire match—just grant me these 10 seconds, please. And if I make a fool of myself in those 10 seconds, then you can lecture me.’ But they truly hate it. They always want to reprimand me.”
A renowned master of in-the-pocket striking, Holloway (27-8) recently earned a decision victory over Dustin Poirier. Poirier, himself celebrated for his boxing skills, conceded that he couldn’t outmaneuver Holloway in their final ten seconds. Holloway is now set to defend his BMF title against Charles Oliveira (36-11) at UFC 326, scheduled for March 7 in Las Vegas. Oliveira has declared his willingness to engage Holloway in a striking battle from the very first bell.