Laura Sanko details one of the primary reasons Justin Gaethje is a dangerous fighter.
In July 2023, Gaethje secured a head-kick knockout against Dustin Poirier to become the second BMF title holder (Jorge Masvidal was the first). Nine months later, ‘The Highlight’ will become the first fighter to defend the controversial throne when he faces Max Holloway in a must-see lightweight matchup on April 13 at UFC 300.
Gaethje vs Holloway is widely considered a tough fight to predict due to the world-class skills of both fighters. During an episode of the One On One podcast, UFC commentator Laura Sanko had this to say while breaking down the highly-anticipated bout:
“It would be really a challenge to prepare for a Justin Gaethje fight because he’s so dangerous in so many different ranges. Normally, the most basic thought when you’re a really good, creative, dangerous kicker is you crowd the space, you crowd the kicker and force them into that boxing range. To see Justin Gaethje have the dexterity in his hips to not only land effective leg kicks in almost a clinch range.”
Laura Sanko praises Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje for engaging in firefights with patience
Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway have solidified themselves as legends after showcasing various slugfests and highlight-reel finishes. Therefore, most of the MMA community expects a war when the two superstars meet inside the T-Mobile Arena for UFC 300.
During the previously mentioned podcast, Laura Sanko praised Gaethje and Holloway for their willingness to engage in extended firefights:
“Both of these guys can exist in that ‘a fight is almost ending type of energy’ longer than I think about any other fighters can. There’s a certain energy that a fight gets to where it’s like, oh, you feel an ending coming. Both of these guys are so good at not rushing the finish and just staying right there and not getting afraid of that moment, not rushing that moment and sticking right with it.”
Justin Gaethje’s last fight was his knockout win against Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, Max Holloway is also riding momentum after knocking out ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung in August 2023. There are potentially added stakes at UFC 300, as an impressive performance by either fighter could lead to a lightweight title shot.
Watch Sanko’s preview of Gaethje vs Holloway below:
