Holloway Defeats Poirier in Epic Retirement: UFC Trilogy Finale

In a night full of emotions at UFC 318, Dustin Poirier did not achieve victory in his last fight, but his legacy transcends the result.

An Epic Ending for a Legend

Poirier said goodbye to the octagon at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, facing Max Holloway in a fight for the BMF title. Despite the unanimous decision loss, the fight was a reflection of his impressive 16-year career. Holloway won with scorecards of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. After the victory, Holloway, with a record of 27-8, issued challenges and briefly mentioned Ilia Topuria before yielding the spotlight to Poirier.

It’s been overwhelming, honestly. I feel appreciated, I feel seen. I never got out of the fight and looked at it this way. I could never look at it in the third person. This week has been incredible. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company. I’m a kid living the dream here, man, throwing punches.
Dustin Poirier

Holloway fulfilled his role as a “villain”, seeking to ruin Poirier’s farewell.

I am very happy. Poirier can still hit hard, but he kept coming back. I came and tried to be the party pooper and the villain.
Max Holloway

Poirier, at 36 years old, retires tied for fifth place with the most wins in UFC history, with 22. He is also in fourth place with the most knockouts, with 11. His legacy includes three opportunities for the undisputed title in 2019, 2021 and 2024, although he failed to be crowned champion against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. However, he conquered the interim lightweight title in 2019 by defeating Holloway by unanimous decision.

Saturday’s fight, the trilogy against Holloway, offered everything fans expect from a Poirier fight. Holloway knocked him down in the first few minutes, but Poirier recovered. Holloway knocked him down again in the second round, but Poirier responded and came close to finishing him.

Poirier entered the octagon with the New Orleans rapper, Lil Wayne, in a moving tribute. In addition, the UFC adjusted its schedule so that Poirier’s last fight would be in his home state. According to UFC statistics, Holloway outstruck Poirier in total strikes, 186-114. Poirier cut Holloway under the left eye in the fourth round, but Holloway’s volume of strikes began to take its toll. Poirier, although visibly fatigued, accepted Holloway’s invitation for a final exchange in the center of the octagon. This victory is significant for Holloway, who was coming off his first knockout loss to Topuria in his fight for the 145-pound title in October. UFC President Dana White indicated that Holloway is in a good position for a possible title rematch with Topuria at 155 pounds.