Even though the UFC 318 audience was supporting Dustin Poirier in his final fight, Max Holloway showed why he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
The former UFC featherweight champion secured a unanimous decision victory over Poirier (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) on Saturday. The win dashed Poirier’s hopes of ending his celebrated career on a high note in his home state of Louisiana, completing a trilogy where Poirier had previously defeated Holloway twice.
Saturday’s match unfolded differently from their initial encounters. Holloway, who solidified his place in UFC history with his memorable 2024 BMF title triumph, maintained a consistent edge in their stand-up exchanges. This style favored both fighters. The mutual respect between them was evident and well-deserved.
The fight presented a perfect scenario for the UFC. Poirier, a beloved figure in the sport’s history, and Holloway, a popular former champion transitioning to the lightweight division, brought a unique dynamic. Both are destined for the UFC Hall of Fame and have a shared history. They are known for delivering thrilling performances, fitting perfectly with the BMF belt’s purpose. It offered Poirier the chance to conclude his career with a bang, and they delivered.
Holloway dominated the opening round, knocking down Poirier, and came close to victory in the second. However, Poirier shifted the momentum by stunning Holloway and executing his signature guillotine choke, gaining control.
Unfortunately for Poirier, the round concluded 15 seconds later, but not before energizing the crowd.
Holloway regrouped to deliver more of the same in the third and fourth rounds, displaying exceptional striking skills. Poirier seemed to gather strength as the fight progressed, aiming for a comeback that required a decisive finish, considering the likely scores.
Holloway attempted to finish the fifth round mirroring his knockout of Justin Gaethje, inviting Poirier into close-quarters combat. Although there wasn’t a knockout, it was a fitting end for Poirier, regardless of the outcome.
Following the fight, Holloway gave a victory interview with ESPN’s Daniel Cormier but departed quickly. Holloway interrupted Cormier’s initial question, apologized to the crowd for defeating their favorite, and challenged other fighters to contend for the BMF title (hinting at a potential matchup with new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria). He then ended the interview, giving Poirier the spotlight.
After Poirier’s first response, Holloway returned to urge the crowd to cheer louder for their local hero. A more enthusiastic ovation followed, with Poirier reflecting on his week focused entirely on him:
“It’s honestly been overwhelming. I feel appreciated and recognized. I haven’t had the opportunity to step back from a fight and observe it from this perspective… but this week has been extraordinary. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the organization. It’s been amazing. I didn’t realize I had impacted so many people simply by pursuing my dreams.”
The UFC then presented a tribute video that moved Poirier to tears. He removed his gloves and exited the Octagon to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” as is customary. He spent a considerable time walking to the locker room, embracing as many people as possible after his final time on that side of the cage.
Check out full UFC 318 results and highlights below, including Uncrowned’s round-by-round play-by-play for the final seven bouts of the night.
Main Card
BMF championship: Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Middleweight: Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight: Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Prelims
Bantamweight: Vinicius Oliveira def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight: Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Welterweight: Nikolay Veretinnikov def. Francisco Prado via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Middleweight: Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin via TKO (punches) at 1:08 of R1 | Watch finish
Early prelims
Welterweight: Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt via TKO (punches) at 4:06 of R1 | Watch finish
Light heavyweight: Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (armbar) at 4:42 of R1 | Watch finish
Heavyweight: Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski via submission (guillotine choke) at 2:27 of R1 | Watch finish
Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey via submission (armbar) at 3:35 of R1 | Watch finish
Women’s flyweight: Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari via TKO (knee and punches) at 1:30 of R3 | Watch finish
