UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier Preview

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will be meeting for the third time this weekend at UFC 318, taking place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

This bout will not only present the coveted BMF (Baddest Mother F-er) title, but it also marks the final MMA fight of Poirier’s 16-year career.

Poirier (30-9-0) goes into this weekend’s fight as the favourite and with a 2-0 lead over Holloway based on their past meetings.

A former interim lightweight titleholder in the UFC, this fight presents Poirier the chance to end his journey on a high note with a symbolic title that carries immense fan respect, if not an official UFC belt.

Despite the recent victories in the past, Holloway still poses a challenge. The Hawaiian is widely recognised among the sport’s great featherweights, holding a record of 26-8-0.

He currently holds the BMF title, which he earned following a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Holloway is quite renowned for his boxing skills, which allows him to maintain pressure for extended rounds.

Poirier leads the rivalry with two prior wins over Holloway, including their first fight on short notice and their memorable clash at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title. However, the landscape has shifted since those earlier meetings. Holloway has transitioned full-time back to featherweight and looks to become the first fighter to defend the BMF title successfully. 

Since this match is Poirier’s swan song, he will no doubt want to end it on a high note with a victory over a man he’s defeated twice already.

But that won’t come easily, as Holloway knows that this is the last opportunity he has against Poirier, and a win for him will reflect growth on his part and prevent the trilogy from being a clean sweep against him.

This Saturday will lay to rest all questions concerning the two fighters and will serve as the end to one of the most exciting trilogies in the history of the UFC.