On July 19, 2025, Max Holloway will defend his coveted BMF (Baddest Mother F*cker) title against longtime rival Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. This fight is more than just a championship bout it is a defining moment in Holloway’s career, a chance to cement his legacy in the lightweight division, and an opportunity to spoil Poirier’s farewell fight. With a trilogy of battles steeped in history and emotion, the stakes have never been higher.
Holloway, 33, is making a permanent move back to lightweight after a recent featherweight title loss to Ilia Topuria. His last lightweight fight was a spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, where he captured the BMF belt with a dramatic last-second right hand. That finish is already etched as one of the most iconic moments in UFC history. Now, a win over Poirier a perennial contender and fan favorite would immediately position Holloway among the elite at 155 pounds and validate his transition to the division.
The rivalry between Holloway and Poirier dates back over a decade. Their first meeting was at UFC 143 in 2012, marking Holloway’s promotional debut. Poirier, then a rising featherweight, submitted Holloway in the first round. Seven years later, they met again for the interim lightweight title in 2019, with Poirier winning a hard-fought five-round decision. Poirier leads the trilogy 2-0, and this fight represents Holloway’s chance to avoid a 0-3 record in his two trilogies—a rare and unwanted mark in MMA.
Holloway has openly embraced his role as the spoiler in this fight. “I’m motivated to beat Dustin so he doesn’t go 0-3 in his trilogies,” Holloway said in a recent interview. His competitive fire is fueled not only by personal pride but also by the desire to leave a lasting mark on the lightweight division.
For Poirier, 36, this fight is the culmination of an illustrious career. Announced as his retirement bout, Poirier will make his final walk in his home state of Louisiana. “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 shared on The Pat McAfee Show. Despite his age and recent setbacks including a submission loss to Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title fight Poirier remains a formidable opponent with a 30-9 record and a reputation for heart and resilience.
The BMF title itself carries symbolic weight. Holloway won it in emphatic fashion, and defending it against Poirier, a fighter known as “The Diamond,” adds prestige to the belt. UFC President Dana White has highlighted the significance of this matchup, noting the deep history and respect between the two fighters.
Beyond the personal stakes, this fight signals Holloway’s full commitment to the lightweight division. He recently requested removal from the featherweight rankings, emphasizing his focus on 155 pounds. “It feels great being able to eat more, recover better, and go harder,” Holloway said, underscoring the physical benefits of the move.
UFC 318 also marks the organization’s return to New Orleans for the first time in nine years, adding a hometown atmosphere that will energize Poirier and his supporters.
Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 is more than a title defense it is a battle for legacy, redemption, and closure. For Holloway, it’s a chance to rewrite history and cement his place among lightweight greats. For Poirier, it’s a final chapter in a storied career. When these two warriors collide on July 19, fans can expect a fight that delivers heart, history, and high stakes in equal measure.
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