Relive the full fight video highlights of Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 from their UFC 318 main event battle that occurred Saturday night, presented by various platforms.
Holloway vs. Poirier 3 happened on July 19 at the Smoothie King Center located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Max Holloway (26 victories and 8 defeats) and Dustin Poirier (30 victories, 9 defeats, and 1 no-contest) engaged in a highly anticipated main event. The fight was broadcasted live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Official declaration: Max Holloway emerged victorious over Dustin Poirier by way of a unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2)
Watch all of the available video highlights below.
For extensive coverage of Holloway vs. Poirier 3, refer to our live blog below.
Round 1
Jason Herzog is the assigned referee inside the octagon for the main event.
No immediate point deduction assessed. A source of disappointment.
Holloway is circling, projecting punches from a distance, and inviting Poirier to come forward. Poirier lands an inside leg kick. Holloway counters with a pair of body kicks. Holloway lands a right hand flush, sending Poirier off balance.
Poirier is attempting to stand up, but gets hit by another left hand. He’s returned to his feet, however, is still vulnerable. Poirier responds with a swift combination that forces Holloway to retreat. Holloway attempts a spinning kick aimed at the body. Poirier counters with a straight left. Holloway lands another right that finds its way through Poirier’s guard. He appears confident with that right hand, without showing signs of concern for Poirier’s responses.
Holloway punches the body. He follows with a kick to the body. Holloway targets the body with another shot and Poirier is forced to retreat in order to avoid another combination. Poirier kicks the body. Poirier responds with a straight left. Despite losing the round, the match is just getting started.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Holloway.
Round 2
Poirier is restricting the cage, but Holloway circles to escape immediately. Poirier’s left hand connects with Holloway. Holloway comes forward with a three-punch combination. Poirier counters with another left. Poirier lands a right, followed by a knee directed up the middle. Solid start to this round by “The Diamond.”
Holloway responds with a right to Poirier as Poirier comes forward. Holloway attacks the body. Holloway executes a significant combination, with the final punch impacting Poirier considerably. Holloway pursues with additional strikes against the fence. Poirier goes for a takedown, but Holloway defends and secures the mount position, raining down punches. Back to half guard, Holloway maintains an elbow pressure on Poirier’s face.
Holloway moves upward, Poirier attacks with an upkick, Holloway allows Poirier to stand with a minute remaining. Solid combo by Poirier incites a reaction from the crowd. Holloway with a 1-2. Poirier lands a left hand, immediately followed by a sharp jab. Poirier targets the body. Poirier’s right hand connects and hurts Holloway! Poirier attempts a guillotine choke! He is unsuccessful, but a memorable moment. Poirier finishes the round with sharp elbows.
This round could have been scored either way.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Holloway. Accumulatively, the score stands at 20-18 with Holloway in the lead.
Round 3
Poirier wastes no time, advancing with punches once more. Holloway answers with a left hand counter. Poirier is throwing straight punches, with a left connecting as Holloway ducks in. Holloway kicks the body. Poirier throws a combination, but Holloway evades danger.
Excellent jab by Poirier. Holloway executes a spinning kick to the body. He lands another body kick. Holloway lands a right hand around Poirier’s guard. Poirier lands a jab right on the chin. Holloway counters with a solid right. Poirier persists with the jab. Holloway connects with a three-punch combination, testing Poirier’s resilience.
Holloway follows up with a spinning kick to the body. Another combination from Holloway connects. He’s given a warning about his fingers being down. Poirier counters with a left hand followed by a couple of jabs.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Holloway. Overall, the score is 30-27, with Holloway leading.
Round 4
Poirier begins the championship rounds by landing the left. Holloway utilizes that jab to disrupt Poirier, making it difficult to anticipate whether the next strike will be directed to the head or the body. Poirier is active with his jab, however, Holloway is effectively dodging and countering.
Holloway connects with a left hook. Poirier responds with a combination. Holloway counters with a jab. He follows up with a combination of his own. Poirier jabs, Holloway responds by attacking the body. Poirier lands a quick jab. Holloway punches the body, then delivers a strike up top. Poirier’s jab has consistently landed this round. He strikes Holloway with a hard left.
Both men’s defenses begin to weaken as they trade punches. Holloway transitions from body to head shots. Holloway moves in close and strikes Poirier, but Poirier is ready and counters with a left on Holloway’s chin. A counter spin kick by Holloway nearly grazes Poirier’s throat.
“The Diamond” has five minutes remaining.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Holloway. Overall, the score is 40-36, with Holloway in the lead.
Round 5
Holloway lands a swift 1-2 combination. He’s actively using his jab now. Holloway tags him with a left hook. Poirier needs to respond, falling behind after a minute.
Poirier attempts to throw powerfully, but Holloway’s defense remains strong. He peppers Poirier’s body. Poirier lands a solid right that pushes Holloway back. Poirier jabs, Holloway attacks the body. Poirier jabs, positioning his left hand. Holloway slips in a right. Holloway connects with a head-body combination. Poirier lands a left.
Two minutes left on the clock.
Poirier protests an eye poke and pauses briefly to recover. It doesn’t take long. Poirier jabs, Holloway counters. Poirier lands a lunging left, followed by another. Holloway responds with a well-timed body kick, opening up a pair of straight rights that impact Poirier.
Sixty seconds remaining.
Holloway executes a clean two-punch combination. Holloway lands a left hand as he circles. There’s the point deduction. Holloway continues to strike as Poirier defends and then attempts a clinch. Booooo! (only joking)
Respect to both competitors.
MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 in favor of Holloway. Overall, the score is 50-45, with Holloway leading.
