UFC300: Gaethje vs Holloway
The 7th Annual Awards
- Best Photography
ABOUT THIS ENTRY
A series of images from four separate photographers capturing the closing moments of the epic bout between former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway and reigning UFC BMF champion Justin Gaethje during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
How does this represent "Excellence in Engagement"?
We constantly push the boundaries of capturing content for UFC fans by exploring innovative angles and embracing cutting-edge photography technology. We aim to provide a truly immersive experience, allowing our audience to feel the intensity and athleticism of every moment as if they were right there in the action.
Our commitment goes beyond just showcasing the athletic prowess of the fighters; we delve into the raw emotions that make each moment so captivating. From the adrenaline rush of a victory to the emotional toll of a tough defeat, we give our audience an unfiltered front-row seat to the highs and lows that define the sport. This authenticity is what truly connects with our fans, and it's what keeps them coming back for more. The true essence of the sport is the athletes' intensity, passion, and heart, and we're committed to delivering that in every piece of content we produce.
By pushing the envelope on both technology and storytelling, we’re inspiring others in the industry to elevate their own creative processes, ensuring that the future of sports content is more immersive, authentic, and emotionally impactful than ever before.
Objective
UFC 300 was a monumental brand moment for the organization. The herculean objective for the UFC photography team was to capture the historic event's intensity, emotion, and drama while showcasing the athletes' personalities and fighting styles. With a stacked card, every bout held an opportunity to capture jaw-dropping moments, and the event delivered in spades. This photography series is an intimate look into one of the most exciting bouts of the night, Gaethje vs Holloway — from the non-stop action inside the octagon to the raw, emotional aftermath. Our goal was to create a visual record that appealed to fans and served as a historical document of one of the biggest moments in UFC history. After nearly five rounds of an all-out battle between two of the greatest fighters in UFC history, Max Holloway landed a stunning knockout punch with just one second left in the final round, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Strategy & Execution
One of the greatest fights of the year, if not in the sport's history, the Gaethje vs Holloway fight was capped with a perfect ending. Using handheld and remote-mounted cameras, the UFC photo team captured the fight's final moments from four unique angles. The resulting photography series was produced with the modern sports fan in mind by focusing on the dynamic, high-energy moments that resonate with the digital-first, social media-savvy audience. Recognizing that modern fans engage with content across various platforms, the UFC team selected these photos to be highly shareable and impactful.
The series featured a mix of high-action shots during key moments of the fight and intense close-ups of the fighters, highlighting their emotions and athleticism. We prioritized showcasing the drama and excitement, knowing that UFC fans crave vivid, adrenaline-pumping imagery.
Organizations
- UFC
Featured
- Max Holloway
- Justin Gaethje
Credits
Josh Hedges
Senior Director, Photography
UFC
Jeff Bottari
Photographer
UFC
Chris Unger
Photographer
UFC
Cooper Neill
Photographer
UFC
Celebrate in NYC
Join us for the 7th Annual Hashtag Sports Awards™ on the evening of June 24, 2025 as we celebrate finalists and reveal the winners of this year's awards live during the show.
