UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier

Max Holloway Wins BMF Title as Dustin Poirier Bids Emotional Farewell at UFC 318

The MMA world witnessed an emotional and action-packed night at UFC 318 in New Orleans, where former featherweight champion Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier in what turned out to be Poirier’s retirement fight. Although the result was a unanimous decision victory for Holloway, the night was more about honoring Poirier’s legendary 16-year career inside the Octagon.

The five-round battle at the Smoothie King Center delivered everything fans hoped for. It was a fight filled with momentum swings, grit, and pure heart—an all-out war between two of the UFC’s most respected warriors. Judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Holloway, crowning him the new BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) titleholder.

A Warrior’s Goodbye

For Dustin Poirier, this wasn’t just another fight. It was his final walk to the cage, and the atmosphere reflected the significance. The Louisiana native was welcomed with deafening support as he walked out alongside local rap icon Lil Wayne—a nostalgic callback to his UFC debut walkout in 2011 to “A Milli.” The UFC even reshuffled its schedule to make sure Poirier’s last fight happened in his home state.

Despite coming up short, Poirier displayed the grit and resilience that have defined his career. He was dropped twice in the early rounds but kept bouncing back. In true “Diamond” fashion, he recovered, fought back, and even managed to hurt Holloway later in the second round. The two ended the final round in a classic Holloway-style “point to the ground and throw hands” moment that brought fans to their feet.

“I feel loved, I feel appreciated,” Poirier said post-fight. “This week has been overwhelming. I’m a kid living the dream, man.”

Max Holloway’s Redemption

For Holloway, the win was not just about earning another title—it was about bouncing back. After suffering the first knockout loss of his career to Ilia Topuria in October 2024, many wondered how the Hawaiian would respond. He answered loud and clear.

Holloway outstruck Poirier by a wide margin, landing 186 total strikes to Poirier’s 114. His relentless pace, footwork, and volume wore down Poirier, especially in the later rounds. Despite being cut under his eye in round four, Holloway’s conditioning and experience helped him stay in control.

“I came in to be the spoiler, the villain tonight,” Holloway said. “Poirier still hits hard, but I had to keep pushing forward.”

With this win, Holloway is once again in the title conversation. UFC president Dana White hinted at a possible rematch with Topuria at 155 pounds, stating Holloway is “in a great position right now.”

The Legacy of Dustin Poirier

Poirier ends his career with a professional record of 30-10, tied for fifth-most wins in UFC history (22) and fourth-most knockouts (11). Though he never claimed an undisputed championship, he held the interim lightweight title and competed for the real belt three times—facing Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev in those efforts.

But beyond the numbers, Poirier’s legacy is defined by his fighting spirit, philanthropy, and loyalty to his roots. His charity work, especially through the Good Fight Foundation, has made a lasting impact beyond the cage.

Saturday’s bout was the third meeting between Holloway and Poirier. While Poirier had won their first two encounters, this final chapter was Holloway’s to claim. And yet, the respect between the two fighters was mutual and deeply felt.

What’s Next?

Max Holloway is now not only the BMF titleholder but also firmly in the mix at lightweight. Whether he gets a shot at Topuria or someone else, his name remains among the elite.

As for Poirier, he walks away a legend—maybe not with all the belts, but with the love of fans, fighters, and the entire MMA world.

Short YouTube Description:
Max Holloway wins the BMF title at UFC 318 in a legendary battle against Dustin Poirier, who retires after a 16-year career. A night of emotion, respect, and high-level MMA action.
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