Max Holloway retained his status as the UFC’s “baddest” fighter with a unanimous decision victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in New Orleans, a result that marked the end of an era as Poirier retired following a storied career.
In a high-octane five-round war, Holloway’s relentless output, crisp striking, and signature pace carried him to victory, making him the first man to successfully defend the symbolic BMF title.
It was a fitting clash between two of the most respected warriors in MMA, and one that brought closure to a long-running rivalry.
“I’ve got some history with the champ. UFC, it’s your move,” Holloway said in the cage, calling out lightweight king Ilia Topuria. “But this is Dustin’s night. Give it up to my man.”
Poirier, 36, received a thunderous reception from the Louisiana crowd as he made his final walk, flanked by rapper Lil Wayne. But the fanfare couldn’t alter the outcome.
Holloway came out firing, mixing leg kicks and combinations with precision, and dropped Poirier early with a sharp right hand.
The second round followed a similar pattern, with Holloway scoring another knockdown.
Yet Poirier, ever the battler, rallied late in the round with a thunderous one-two that sent Holloway crashing to the canvas. The bell rang just in time to deny a ground-and-pound finish.
From there, the fight turned into a classic back-and-forth brawl. Holloway threw longer combinations; Poirier’s power shots landed heavier.
In a trademark move, Holloway pointed to the canvas in the final 10 seconds, inviting a toe-to-toe finish, a gesture reminiscent of his knockout of Gaethje last year.
This time, Poirier held firm to the final horn. The two men embraced in a moment of deep mutual respect, with Holloway kissing Poirier on the forehead.
“Max is slick, crafty, fast… he’s the champ,” Poirier said. “I’ve been chasing my dreams and it’s been incredible. I’m a kid living his dream.”
Poirier retires with a record of 22 UFC wins, an interim lightweight belt, and unforgettable victories over Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, and Eddie Alvarez.
Though an undisputed title eluded him, his legacy as one of MMA’s most beloved fighters is secure.
