BMF Championship

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier via starzplay.com

At UFC 318, two of the most respected names in mixed martial arts will meet for the third time, as Dustin Poirier takes on Max Holloway in what is expected to be the final fight of Poirier’s storied career. For Poirier, this isn’t just another bout; it’s a farewell to the sport he helped shape over the past decade. A former interim lightweight champion with victories over the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway himself, Poirier has long been viewed as one of the most well-rounded and durable lightweights in UFC history. Though the undisputed title eluded him, his consistency against elite competition and willingness to take on all challengers have cemented his place among the sport’s most admired figures. Holloway, too, has much at stake. After a recent run of high-level bouts, including a move back to lightweight, the former featherweight champion is in a pivotal stage of his career. A loss could signal the end of his title ambitions at 155 pounds, while a win over a legend like Poirier would re-establish him as a top contender in a stacked division. The previous two meetings between these men have shown fans what to expect: high-volume striking, a relentless pace, and moments of technical brilliance. Their styles mesh well, and with both fighters known for durability and heart, UFC 318 promises to deliver yet another compelling chapter in their rivalry. For Poirier, this is an opportunity to close the book on his terms. 

Stylistically, Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are no strangers to each other. They’ve shared the Octagon twice before, with Poirier emerging victorious on both occasions. However, context matters, and in both matchups, key circumstances shaped the outcome.

Their first encounter took place in 2012 and marked Holloway’s UFC debut. At just 20 years old and stepping in on short notice, Holloway was submitted via mounted armbar in the first round, a challenging but formative experience that served as a launching pad for what would become a historic featherweight run.

The rematch, nearly seven years later, came with much higher stakes. Slated as a battle for the interim lightweight title in 2019, the bout saw Holloway once again step in under less-than-ideal conditions. Originally, Poirier had been scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov, but with the reigning champion sidelined, Holloway answered the call. It was evident he hadn’t had the time to transition to 155 pounds properly, and Poirier’s size, strength, and pressure overwhelmed him over five hard-fought rounds.

Fast forward to UFC 300, and Holloway’s lightweight potential was fully realized. After a full camp and strategic bulk to 155, he delivered one of the most complete performances of his career, stopping Justin Gaethje in emphatic fashion to claim the BMF title. It wasn’t just a statement win; it was a reintroduction to Holloway at his physical and technical peak in the lightweight division.

As Holloway now prepares for a trilogy bout with a full camp, proper conditioning, and momentum on his side, the dynamics of this matchup feel different. If he shows up as the version we saw at UFC 300, it’s difficult to count him out, even against a fighter as seasoned and dangerous as Poirier.

This fight for Holloway is a chance to reassert his presence in a new weight class. For fans, it’s a fight between two of the sport’s most respected veterans, no undisputed belts needed. We’ll dive more into the storied career of Dustin Poirier in our post-fight analysis, but for UFC fans, this bout for the BMF championship is guaranteed fireworks. As Max Holloway said, if you’re a new fan looking to get engaged in the UFC, this is the fight to watch.

Predictions:

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier III

Prediction: Max Holloway via Decision

This is Holloway’s last real shot at title contention, and he’ll enter with urgency. Poirier, nearing retirement, approaches the fight from a different mental space. While Poirier holds two previous wins, this version of Holloway, fully acclimated to 155 and coming off a dominant UFC 300 showing, poses a new challenge.

Expect a measured start from Holloway, but as the fight wears on, his pace and volume should take over. Look for him to outwork Poirier in the later rounds and edge ahead on the scorecards.