The Greatest To Never Do It

Dustin Poirier via bloodyelbow.com

He came, he saw, he conquered, but not in the usual way. While Dustin Poirier may never have won the undisputed title, his legacy remains strong.

His career is filled with wins over the best fighters of his time, defined by consistency, heart, and high-level action. Poirier will be remembered as one of the most respected fighters in UFC history. With victories over Conor McGregor (twice), Eddie Alvarez, Dan Hooker, Max Holloway (twice), Jim Miller, Bobby Green, and Michael Chandler, “The Diamond” created a résumé that is among the best in UFC history.

In the final chapter of his remarkable career, Poirier delivered one last classic. Fighting Max Holloway in their highly anticipated trilogy match, it was clear that time had affected him. Slightly slower than the former featherweight champion, Poirier struggled to keep up with his younger opponent. But true to form, he didn’t back down. Instead, he fought hard, endured multiple knockdowns, and turned the fight into a back-and-forth battle that captured everything fans admired about him.

It wasn’t the storybook ending most dream of, but it was fitting. The Diamond showcased his heart, resilience, and refusal to give up, the hallmarks of his legacy. What truly distinguishes Poirier is not just what he did inside the octagon, but how he acted outside of it. He remained a class act through wins and losses, making a lasting impact on fans and fellow fighters.

His charitable work, character, and unwavering authenticity have left a strong mark on those around him. In a sport that often measures greatness by titles, Dustin Poirier showed that legacy is about much more than awards. He may never have worn the undisputed crown, but many will see him as a champion.

On the other hand, Max Holloway once again showed the world why he is one of the most complete and exciting fighters in UFC history. Taking on an unexpected role during fight week, Holloway embraced being the villain and excelled at it.

Competing in a difficult environment, he delivered a performance that rivaled his best at UFC 300, and perhaps even exceeded it. Now firmly at 155 pounds, Holloway clearly made the needed adjustments for the division. The added size was noticeable, and for the first time in years, so was his power.

Known more for his pace and accuracy than his ability to finish fights, Holloway shocked Poirier with two knockdowns in the first round, putting the entire lightweight division on alert. With his trademark cardio and speed still strong, this new, more powerful version of Holloway adds another dimension to his already elite skill set.

After Saturday’s impressive display, Holloway is now among the top legitimate title contenders. A rematch with Ilia Topuria, one of the few men to defeat him, seems more interesting than ever. The size difference that once favored Topuria has disappeared, and Holloway’s recent performance suggests a second fight could look very different.

Alternatively, a fan-favorite matchup against Charles Oliveira has also been mentioned, setting up a potential title eliminator between two of the sport’s most beloved fighters. No matter what happens next, one thing is clear: Max Holloway is far from finished. In fact, “The Blessed Express” may just be entering its most dangerous phase yet.