Dustin Poirier is set to close a storied UFC career with a high-stakes trilogy bout against Max Holloway for the coveted BMF (Baddest Motherfucker) title at UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in New Orleans. This bout not only marks Poirier’s retirement fight but also places a symbolic championship in the balance, raising the stakes for both fighters in a rivalry steeped in history and mutual respect.
Poirier, announcing the fight on The Pat McAfee Show, delivered an emotional statement: “I’m going to lay my gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me. The whole journey started there, and I’m just honored to have the UFC and the state of Louisiana on the same page to make all this work”. Fighting on home soil adds a sentimental weight to Poirier's final act in the UFC.
The rivalry itself is rich with narrative. Their first encounter in 2012, when they were both rising featherweight prospects, ended with Poirier submitting Holloway in the first round. The second meeting, at UFC 236 in 2019 for the interim lightweight championship, saw Poirier again come out on top via unanimous decision. Poirier thus enters the trilogy with a commanding 2-0 record against Holloway.
Max Holloway, 33, is the current BMF champion, having claimed the belt with a dramatic fifth-round knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Despite recently losing a featherweight title fight to Ilia Topuria, Holloway’s move back up to lightweight shows his ambition to cement his legacy across multiple divisions. For Holloway, this fight is more than a title defense; it’s a chance to finally claim a win over a foe who has bested him twice.
This matchup provides a compelling legacy storyline: Poirier, widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweights never to hold an undisputed UFC title, aims to retire with a symbolic belt that would cap his illustrious career. UFC analyst Brett Okamoto has noted that the BMF title "means more to Poirier's legacy than Holloway’s" given Holloway’s prior championship reigns. Conversely, a win would propel Holloway closer to a legitimate lightweight title shot, reinforcing his ascent at 155 pounds.
Both fighters carry impressive resumes. Poirier’s career includes memorable victories over top-tier opponents such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, and Charles Oliveira, with a fighting style marked by resilience and grit. Holloway’s record features dominant wins over Jose Aldo, Brian Ortega, and Justin Gaethje, showcasing his volume striking and durable pressure.
The anticipation for UFC 318 is also fueled by the history of this rivalry and the stakes: a trilogy fight, a final bow for Poirier, and the defense of the BMF title. MMA commentator Andreas Hale pointed out that “all the necessary elements fell into place for the trilogy to be Poirier’s proper swan song,” highlighting the significance of this matchup both competitively and sentimentally.
In summary, UFC 318’s main event offers a dramatic and heartfelt chapter in MMA history. Dustin Poirier’s quest to end his career as a champion in front of his hometown fans contrasts with Max Holloway’s fierce determination to rewrite his narrative at lightweight. Their upcoming clash for BMF glory encapsulates the spirit of competition, legacy, and respect that defines the sport.
This fight promises to be a thrilling conclusion to Poirier’s career and a pivotal moment for Holloway’s legacy moving forward a spectacle no fight fan should miss.
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