The UFC recently announced Max Holloway’s jaw-dropping knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 as 2024’s Knockout of the Year. Holloway’s performance was undeniably impressive. He showcased precision and power to stop Gaethje, and remain as one of the toughest fighters in the promotion. However, not everyone was happy with the former featherweight champion winning the award.
Fans quickly took to social media to claim that Sharaputdin Magomedov’s double-spinning back fist KO at UFC 308 deserved the award instead. The unique and electrifying nature of Magomedov’s finish had impressed many. Needless to say, a tirade of comments has ensued online.
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One fan wrote, “I like Max, but this ain’t it. Shara, Topuria, or Pereira deserved it; all their knockouts came out of skill.” Another added, “Rough for Shara. He wins any other year.”
Other reactions took the same line — a collective outrage. “It was incredible, but Shara’s was much more diabolical and unique,” said one fan. Another person declared: “Shara’s knockout was undeniably better.”
Sharaputdin Magomedov double spin back fist KO pic.twitter.com/YiuFRNTxJp
— denranks (@denrankings) October 26, 2024
While some acknowledged Holloway’s KO as worthy of recognition, the overwhelming sentiment was that Magomedov’s spectacular finish stood out as the most skillful and creative of the year. And the debate looks set to continue.
Speaking of iconic KOs in 2024, Dustin Poirier also weighed in on the award. And his pick has Holloway on the receiving end of things.
Poirier picks Holloway vs. Ilia Topuria for KO of the Year
Poirier couldn’t believe his eyes when Ilia Topuria put Holloway to sleep at UFC 308. Speaking on an episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy show, Poirier highlighted the enormity of Topuria’s achievement.
“I think it’s gotta be Topuria knocking out Max. Topuria was the first man to put him on his ass and knock him out. That was super impressive for me,” said Poirier.
Dustin Poirier believes Ilia Topuria’s KO against Max Holloway is the Knockout of the Year:
“I think it’s gotta be Topuria knocking out Max…Topuria was the first man to put him on his ass and knock him out. That was super impressive for me”
@espnmma pic.twitter.com/H7ISZD982N
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 18, 2024
Topuria’s feat was monumental, given Holloway’s reputation for having one of the most durable chins in UFC history. For Poirier, the knockout reiterated Ilia’s skill and composure in achieving what no other fighter had managed before.
