Max Holloway outpointed Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision in their long-awaited trilogy fight to conclude UFC 318. The emotional night capped what was expected to be Poirier’s last fight in a colorful 16-year career in the UFC. Holloway’s performance showcased his striking prowess as he outlanded Poirier 113-99 in significant head strikes, demonstrating his dominance throughout the match.
What a fight—things started with a bang in round one! Holloway almost stopped Poirier with a jaw-dropping knockdown that would dictate the action for the remainder of the fight. Holloway built on momentum round-after-round, absolutely controlling the fight. He won his fight by the narrowed of margins 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46.
Poirier, a Louisiana native and long-time veteran of the fight game, admitted he found himself in deep water against fellow warrior Holloway. At 39 years old, he was aware of the fatigue coming on by round four. This was shocking, considering his deep background as a competitor in the octagon. After the fight, Poirier remarked on Holloway’s enduring skills, saying, “I thought he was going to be in here cracking a little bit harder, which he was.”
Holloway came in with a stunning 27-8 record in MMA. He was making his first title defense of the “BMF” title, a championship he’d won at last April’s UFC 300. It was his definitive victory over Dustin Poirier that cemented his claim atop the featherweight division. It ensured yet another memorable chapter to their rivalry.
The bout finished with an amazing last 15 seconds. Each fighter landed hard punches, wowing the fans and cementing both fighters’ toughness and offensive prowess. Holloway’s classy demeanor in victory contrasted with the emotional weight of Poirier’s farewell to the sport, as he expressed gratitude for his career and fans.
