JUSTIN GAETHJE was embraced by his mum just moments after suffering the most brutal loss of his career.
The former interim lightweight champion locked horns with fellow fan favourite Max Holloway last weekend on a historic UFC 300 card in Las Vegas.
Justin Gaethje threw down with Max Holloway at UFC 300 last weekendGETTY
Gaethje was knocked out cold in the final second of the BMF title fightGETTY
Gaethje collapsed face-first to the octagon canvas after the hellacious blowUSA TODAY
‘The Highlight’ was embraced by his mum Carolina as he made his way backstageSUNSPORT/CHISANGAMALATA
Gaethje, 35, looked to make the first-ever defence of the BMF title – which he won in brutal fashion against Dustin Poirier last July.
But he ended up being on the receiving end of one of the most brutal knockouts in UFC history with ONE SECOND of the five-rounder remaining.
Gaethje collapsed face-first to the canvas after eating a hellacious right hand following Holloway’s invitation to swing it out for the final ten seconds of the fight.
The former World Series of Fighting 155lbs champion took a while to regain consciousness but eventually walked out of the octagon unaided.
And SunSport caught ‘The Highlight’ being embraced by his Carolina as he made his way backstage.
Gaethje took to X shortly after the brutal KO to reassure his fans and give props to Holloway.
He wrote: “I’m in great spirits with my family. Thanks for all the love. What a sport.
“@BlessedMMA you’re a dog. Congrats. Well deserved double bonus #ufc300.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
Justin Gaethje’s mum followed him backstage after the fightSUNSPORT/CHISANGAMALATA
UFC commentator Joe Rogan was blown away by the sensational KO, saying: “That’s the greatest knockout of all time.
“With so many people counting him out, with so many people thinking he was outgunned, with so many people thinking he wouldn’t have a chance against the firepower of Justin Gaethje.
“The fact that he called for that with 10 seconds left in the fight and put the lights out on one of the most dangerous men to ever fight in the sport.
“The fact that he did it this way, too, that he pointed to the center of the octagon, pointed to the floor and said, ‘Let’s throw down right here.’
“And then sleeps Justin Gaethje with one punch.
“In a fight where a lot of people thought he was gonna get outgunned.
“Where a lot of people thought he was going to get hurt.”