UFC 300, the MMA event of the year, left its mark on spirits and history on the night of April 13 to 14 in Las Vegas. The spectacular fights followed one another at the T-Mobile Arena and confirmed the ever-increasing appeal enjoyed by the American organization. The return of Conor McGregor, Irish legend of the discipline, was also announced after three years of absence.
Published on: 04/14/2024 – 6:00 p.m. Modified on: 04/14/2024 – 6:08 p.m.
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Dana White wanted to make it the biggest night in MMA history and his bet paid off. UFC 300, which took place on the night of April 13 to 14 in Las Vegas, lived up to expectations by delivering spectacular confrontations – including one already memorable – between some of the most respected fighters in the discipline. .
It is undoubtedly the clash between the Americans Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway which will remain etched in the memory of the thousands of spectators gathered in the heart of the T-Mobile Arena, and of all those glued to their screens around the world. The two compatriots competed to win the symbolic “BMF” (Baddest Motherfucker) belt, an honorary title which designates the toughest fighters in the organization. A few seconds before the confrontation, Holloway invited his opponent to conclude the fight in the center of the cage before inflicting a monumental knockout. What is already considered the “ ten most incredible seconds in the UFC » allowed him to win the performance and the fight of the evening, without forgetting the coveted belt.
The main event of the night between the Brazilian Alex Pereira and the American Jamahal Hill, for the -93kg belt, also delivered a remarkable knockout but lacked suspense as Pereira was so expeditious in sending his opponent to the mat in the first round. In just 12 fights in the UFC, the Brazilian has already won two belts (in -84kg and -93kg) and made a successful title defense. He who seems almost untouchable in his current category has also declared that he is now aiming to move up to the heavyweight category. In the other fight for the women’s -52kg belt, Chinese Weili Zhang also retained her title for the second time by dismissing her compatriot Xiaonan Yan by unanimous decision.
McGregor finally back in the octagon
The evening was already a success for Dana White, the president of the UFC, but he did not hesitate to extend the show at a press conference. He first let his satisfaction burst after the conclusion of the fight between Gaethje and Holloway, already the “ fight of the year ” to his eyes. “ It was like a fucking movie ! It’s the fight of the year ! I don’t give a damn what other people think, fuck you. I’m glad we created this belt. I only have positive things to say about this fight and these two guys », he congratulated himself.
In the process, he took the opportunity to unveil the organization’s plans for the coming months by announcing the return of the Irishman Conor McGregor against the American Michael Chandler in -77 kg for UFC 303, on June 29 next. This is the end of a wait which lasted three years for the sulphurous fighter, who has not entered the cage since July 2021 and his defeat against Dustin Poirier, another MMA legend, against whom he fought. was then fractured his ankle. “ Organizing his return was not difficult. It’s never complicated with Conor, I’ve said it before, he’s always been a good partner for us. It’s easy to talk. He’s smart, and we’re back “, clarified Dana White.
And that’s not at all, since he also announced that the American Dustin Poirier, winner of the French Benoît Saint Denis on March 9, will face the Russian Islam Makhachev for the -70kg belt during UFC 302 on June 1, with the clash between Sean Strickland, former -84 kg champion, and Paulo Costa in co-main event of the evening. In any case, the future looks bright for the world leader in MMA.
