Max Holloway Aims to Seize Lightweight Glory at UFC 318

By Ali Hammad June 17, 2025 10:02

Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are preparing for a significant fight at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on July 19, 2025, marking arguably their greatest fight. The pay-per-view card in Louisiana is where Poirier's trilogy bout will take place, and it may be the key to Holloway securing a lightweight championship. Holloway has a clear plan and feigns ambition to derail Poirier's retirement fight, setting his sights on the 155-pound throne.

The stakes are high for Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion and current “BMF” winner. He shared a video on his YouTube channel recently, detailing his ambitious plan for securing contention by defeating Poirier and winning the lightweight championship. The landscape changes, and with the vacant 155-pound belt set to be taken by Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas just weeks before, Holloway sees a clear path forward. He's attempting to convey that he'll be staying. He is fully aware of Dustin's retirement from fighting, but his last fight was for a title, and Holloway still has title contention in mind.

Those who want to participate in UFC 318 have shown interest in the betting markets. Those eager to wager on this high-stakes trilogy can explore anonymous betting sites , which offer privacy and flexibility for placing bets on blockbuster fights like Holloway vs. Poirier. This added layer of engagement amplifies the anticipation surrounding the event.

The confidence Holloway has gained is due to his long-standing career and recent achievements. After securing the "BMF" crown by defeating Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024, he suffered a setback against Topuria. Now, permanently settled at lightweight, Holloway is determined to prove he belongs among the division’s elite. Facing Poirier, who holds two victories over him from their 2012 and 2019 encounters, adds a layer of personal redemption to the mix. Holloway stated that he had respect for Dustin, but he’s determined to prevent a 3-0 sweep in their trilogy.

Poirier is preparing to end his 16-year fight in UFC 318. In a show that is widely anticipated, the former lightweight champion has reassured about giving 'knucklehead' performances and engage in footwork with Holloway. Fans are speculating lately whether a win could delay his retirement due to recently released training pictures featuring his toned physique. But Poirier is still determined to take time off for family, as his second child will be born in December.

This trilogy marks a historic milestone, one of the UFC’s longest-spanning rivalries. Their first clash at UFC 143 saw Poirier submit a debuting Holloway, and their 2019 rematch at UFC 236 delivered a classic, with Poirier earning a decision to claim the interim lightweight title. Now, 13 years later, both fighters are primed to close this chapter with intensity. Max Holloway however, isn’t just fighting for legacy; he’s chasing gold.

The lightweight division’s volatility plays into Holloway’s favor. With Islam Makhachev moving to welterweight, the 155-pound belt is up for grabs, and Holloway’s resume makes him a compelling contender. A win over Poirier, combined with his fan-favorite status and relentless style, could force the UFC’s hand. Fans on platforms like X are already buzzing, with Holloway urging newcomers to watch. He said in a recent interview that fans should tune in on July 19th for a fun fight

Beyond the cage, UFC 318 carries cultural weight. Louisiana-born Poirier is preparing for an unforgettable walkout, possibly with Lil Wayne, to honor his heritage. With the knowledge that a victory could bring down his hometown crowd and propel him towards his goal, Holloway is willing to take on the challenge.

As July 19 approaches, Holloway's attention is on sharp focus. Poirier's score is anything to go against the winner at 155 pounds, his career could be greatly affected. The storybook approach is something Poirier aims to achieve. Despite the outcome, UFC 318 will be a momentous occasion for both fighters and MMA enthusiasts worldwide.