One of the biggest highlights and talking points of this weekend was everything that unfolded at UFC 300. Possibly one of the most memorable nights in combat sports history, it lived up to fans’ expectations and then some. As it turns out, Justin Gaethje’s coach, Trevor Wittman was seemingly feeling the same way many others did.
For those unaware, Justin Gaethje took on Max Holloway for the BMF title on the main card of UFC 300. Although the fans expected a brutal and bloody showdown, what transpired somehow managed to defy all expectations. In what is likely set to be one of the most iconic moments in UFC history, Max Holloway who was likely up 4 rounds to 1, invited Gaethje to the center of the Octagon to throw down with 10 seconds to go.
In the mayhem that ensued, Holloway delivered a buzzer-beating KO, slumping ‘The Highlight’, one of the hardest-hitting lightweights, to sleep. An almost unthinkable moment to say the least, the moment had people leaping out of their places inside the arena and worldwide. A career-high moment for Max, it was an equally devastating moment for Gaethje, who lost his BMF title and his title shot against Islam Makhachev.
How did Trevor Wittman react to Justin Gaethje getting KOed?
Naturally, the loss will feel like a much bigger one considering all that was at stake. Knowing Justin Gaethje, he held the BMF title in very high regard. Not only that but to lose to Max Holloway, who is no doubt a future legend, in that way will leave a bad taste in Gaethje’s mouth. For one, Holloway made the move up to 155 lbs for this one and has often been labeled as a pillow-fisted volume fighter by some.
Although Gaethje himself likely never had the same views, it is no secret that he was the favorite to win the fight. From the very first round, Justin appeared sluggish and struggled after a spinning kick caught him on the nose and nearly sent him out of the Octagon at the end of Round 1. That, and considering the fact that he was offered a clear chance to win in the final moments may haunt him for some time.
HOW IS HE ALWAYS SMILING pic.twitter.com/CBwcgyv4dG
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) April 14, 2024
However, despite the loss, Gaethje embraced Holloway afterward as his coach Trevor Wittman cut a smiling figure. Considering what had just transpired, many may think that it was the opposite reaction to what he should be having. Soon thereafter, fans pointed out and posted screengrabs of Wittman’s reactions all over social media.
Fans react to Trevor Wittman’s demeanor after his fighters lose
For the most part, long-time MMA fans will know that Trevor Wittman is known for his puzzling reactions, especially after one of his fighters gets knocked out. In the past, we’ve seen the same grin on his face after Rose Namajunas and Kamaru Usman have suffered big losses. Most notably, Wittman’s smiles first caught the attention of fans after Usman suffered a shock head kick KO at the hands of Leon Edwards at UFC 278.
Over the years, fans have come up with numerous theories as to why the 50-year-old coach loves to smile when his fighters lose. Some have suggested that it is because Trevor Wittman put money against his fighters, whilst some believe that it is out of his love for the sport. After all, MMA athletes, coaches, and everyone involved in the sport is also a fan at heart. Thus, for him to witness some incredible moments, like the one at UFC 300 makes a lot of sense.
Either way, Trevor Wittman is still a very highly appraised coach and obviously does not wish ill upon his own fighters. As such, it is clear that his reactions have often been taken out of context. All things considered, Wittman is a fan of the sport and very clearly mesmerized by things that play out in front of his very eyes.