UFC Fans Say ‘Sharaputdin Got Robbed’ After Max Holloway Wins Knockout of the Year Award

Allan Binoy | 08/01/2025
Holloway Sharaputdin

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.”

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.

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.

Post Edited By: Leslie Xavier
Max Holloway Sharaputdin Magomedov

About the author

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Allan Binoy

Allan Binoy is a MMA journalist at The SportsRush. Taken to the sport in 2015, thanks to a certain Conor McGregor, Allan has himself dabbled in the martial arts. And having graduated from Loyola College, Chennai, with a degree in English Literature, he has learnt to use his love for language to have a voice in the MMA community. Allan has been writing about the gladiatorial stories for more than three years now and has pursued excellence at a number of reputable media organizations, covering every UFC PPV in the last couple of years. In addition to this, the southpaw is also a semi-professional soccer player for Diego Juniors FC in Pune, playing in the Pune Super Division League.

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