On July 19, 2025, UFC legend Dustin Poirier will make his final walk to the Octagon in a highly anticipated trilogy bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318, held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This fight marks the culmination of a storied career for Poirier, who has announced his retirement, and it carries immense emotional and professional weight. As “The Diamond” prepares to close this chapter, the question remains: can he end his career on top?
Poirier, 36, has crafted one of the most respected legacies in mixed martial arts. With a professional record of 30-9, he has been a perennial contender in the lightweight division, competing against the best fighters of his era. His career highlights include three lightweight title shots and memorable victories over elite opponents such as Conor McGregor and Max Holloway himself. The upcoming fight is his third meeting with Holloway, a rivalry that dates back to 2012.
Their first encounter was at UFC 143, where Poirier submitted Holloway via arm-triangle choke in the first round. The second fight, in 2019 at UFC 236, saw Poirier win a grueling five-round unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight title. Poirier currently leads the trilogy 2-0, adding an extra layer of motivation for Holloway to avoid a clean sweep.
For Poirier, the stakes are deeply personal. Fighting in New Orleans, just a few hours from his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, provides a fitting backdrop for his farewell. “It’s going to be my final fight. I’m going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me,” Poirier said on The Pat McAfee Show. The UFC has embraced this sentiment, with CEO Dana White confirming that UFC 318 was built around Poirier’s send-off. “This event is truly for him,” White told WDSU News, praising Poirier as “a significant star” who has achieved much in the sport.
Despite his decision to retire, Poirier remains fiercely competitive. His recent performances, including a hard-fought lightweight title bout against Islam Makhachev, demonstrate that he still possesses the skill and heart to compete at the highest level. “I’ve had great fights left in me,” Poirier admitted in an emotional interview with Megan Olivi, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of retirement but expressing confidence in his abilities.
Max Holloway, the current BMF champion, presents a formidable challenge. Known for his relentless pace and volume striking, Holloway is determined to spoil Poirier’s farewell and cement his own legacy. “I’m motivated to beat Dustin so he doesn’t go 0-3 in his trilogies,” Holloway said, highlighting the competitive edge that fuels this matchup.
The BMF (Baddest Mother F*cker) title adds prestige and intensity to the fight, elevating it beyond a typical retirement bout. Holloway captured the belt in a dramatic knockout over Justin Gaethje, and defending it against a respected veteran like Poirier underscores the significance of this clash.
While the UFC 318 card has faced criticism for lacking depth beyond the main event, Poirier’s retirement fight remains the emotional and narrative centerpiece. Fans can expect a battle rich with history, heart, and high stakes.
Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight is more than a final bout it is a chance to solidify a legendary career with a victory on home soil. Whether he retires victorious or not, Poirier’s impact on MMA is undeniable. As he prepares for his last fight, the MMA world watches closely, hoping to see “The Diamond” shine one last time in the Octagon.
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