Max Holloway Defends BMF Title at UFC 318 as Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement After Loss
Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier in an exciting clash at UFC 318, with the 33-year-old Hawaiian-born fighter making up for previous defeats to The Diamond back in 2019 and 2012.
Holloway won by a unanimous decision against Poirier, who suffered a defeat in his final UFC fight in his home state of Louisiana. The win means Holloway earns the symbolic BMF title and comes off the back of his defeat to Ilia Topuria last October.
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Poirier has called time on an explosive UFC career that saw him complete a 30-10 record, with one further fight ending in a no contest. The 36-year-old never won an undisputed title but was certainly an individual who achieved a great deal, and he paid respect to the UFC and its president, Dana White, after the encounter with Holloway.
“I’m grateful for this experience and journey. I want to thank (UFC president) Dana White and the UFC for giving a kid a platform to make something of his life, to help keep my family in a safe place.”
“I’m forever in debt to the company and mixed martial arts. It’s taught me everything I know and I’m just thankful I got to walk this walk.”
Meanwhile, Holloway was full of praise for his opponent after completing their trilogy with a victory.
“Max is tough to deal with in here. He’s slick; he’s crafty; he’s fast; he’s the champ. I got nothing but respect for Max – he’s one of the good guys,”
“I’ve been chasing my dreams – it’s been incredible. I’m a kid living his dream out here, throwing punches, throwing knees. It’s incredible.” Holloway added.
On ending his career in Louisiana, Poirier emotionally added.
“It’s been overwhelming, honestly. I feel appreciated, I feel seen. I’ve never got to step outside a fight and look at it this way … but this week was unbelievable. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana and the company. It’s been incredible. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams.”
Holloway is seemingly hoping to secure a rematch with the reigning lightweight champion Topuria, an encounter that looks entirely plausible.
Topuria knocked out Holloway last year at UFC 308, and after Holloway’s win over Poirier, the German-born Georgian/Spanish fighter took to social media to claim ‘still mine’ while holding a replica of the BMF title, leading many to assume a rematch is on the cards.
When asked about a potential fight with Topuria, White commented.
“I think he’s in a great position right now.”
“He just defended that BMF title. He’s ranked number four in the world [at lightweight].”
“Anything is possible for Max right now.”
