A Fight for the Ages
When the UFC announced Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 as the main event for UFC 318, fight fans everywhere felt a wave of nostalgia and excitement. This isn’t just another headliner. It’s the end of an era, the final chapter of a rivalry that spans more than a decade. For Dustin Poirier, it’s more than just a fight—it’s his retirement bout, and the setting couldn’t be more poetic. UFC 318 takes place on July 19th, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, just down the road from his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The Rivalry: A Full-Circle Moment
This trilogy is more than 10 years in the making.
Their first clash? Way back in 2012. A 20-year-old Max Holloway made his UFC debut—against Poirier. It didn’t last long. Poirier submitted Holloway in the first round, announcing himself as a rising threat in the featherweight division.
Seven years later, in 2019, they met again—this time at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title. The result? A brutal, back-and-forth battle that saw Poirier win a unanimous decision after five grueling rounds. Holloway landed in volume. Poirier landed bombs. It was one of the best fights of that year.
Now, in 2025, they meet for the third—and final—time. Holloway has evolved into a battle-hardened veteran and newly minted BMF. Poirier, a certified legend, steps into the Octagon one last time in front of a home-state crowd. You couldn’t script it better.
Max Holloway: The Volume King, BMF in Action
Record: 26-8-0
Last Fight: KO won over Justin Gaethje (BMF title)
There’s something poetic about Max Holloway holding the BMF title. The guy has never backed down from a fight. His chin is legendary. His volume striking is unmatched. And his recent performances show he might be in the best form of his career.
After dropping close decisions to Alexander Volkanovski and a tough loss to Islam Makhachev in a short-notice lightweight bout, many doubted if Max could hang with the top tier at 155 lbs. He silenced all of that when he flatlined Justin Gaethje in the final seconds of a war to claim the BMF belt.
What makes Max so dangerous isn’t just his cardio or his combinations. It’s his mindset. He’s calm, composed, and always moving forward. Against Poirier, he’ll need to push the pace and stay in his rhythm. If he avoids early damage, he could break Dustin down the longer the fight goes.
Dustin Poirier: One Last Ride
Record: 30-9-0 (1 NC)
Last Fight: Submission loss to Islam Makhachev
Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is everything fight fans love. Grit, power, technique, and heart. He’s a master of boxing in close quarters, with devastating hooks and a killer left hand. And while his submission defense has sometimes been tested, his offensive grappling is still very real.
His last fight—against Islam Makhachev—ended in a fifth-round submission, but it wasn’t without moments. Poirier showed flashes of danger, especially on the feet. But after that loss, he made it clear: the end is near. UFC 318 will be his final fight, and he wants to go out in a blaze of glory.
From Conor McGregor to Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker to Charles Oliveira, Poirier has stood toe-to-toe with killers. He’s fought for the title multiple times. Now, he fights for legacy, for closure, and for the fans who’ve followed him since Day 1.
What to Expect in the Octagon
According to Stake.com, the current betting odds lean slightly in Holloway’s favor:
Current Winner Odds
Max Holloway: 1.76
Dustin Poirier: 2.08
These odds reflect how close this fight really is. Poirier holds two wins over Max. But momentum? That leans toward Holloway.
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Potential Fight Scenarios:
Early Rounds: Poirier’s power will be a threat. If he catches Max early, especially to the body, he could put the BMF champion in trouble.
Mid to Late Rounds: If Max weathers the storm, expect him to turn up the pace and start picking Poirier apart with combinations.
Grappling Exchanges: Poirier has the advantage here, especially with submissions. Holloway will need to keep it standing.
Prediction: Max Holloway via TKO, Round 2
This fight will be emotional, fast-paced, and violent. But the momentum, youth, and volume advantage point toward Holloway ending the trilogy on top.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, July 19th, 2025
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Start Time: 11:00 PM UTC
Final Predictions: A Night for the Fans, a Farewell for a Legend
UFC 318 isn’t just about titles or rankings. It’s about respect. It’s about two fighters who gave everything to the sport. And it’s about closure, especially for Dustin Poirier.
This one’s for the fans, the fighters, and the history books. Don’t miss it.
