The highly anticipated trilogy bout between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier headlines UFC 318 this Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. With Poirier set to retire after this fight, this showdown carries immense emotional weight as well as a fiercely competitive spirit. Fans and experts alike are poring over the details to figure out who holds the edge in this final chapter of a rivalry that has spanned over a decade.
Both fighters enter with a 22-8 UFC record, and their two previous encounters have split the series, with Poirier winning via submission in 2012 and a hard-fought decision in their 2019 lightweight clash. What makes this trilogy unique is what’s at stake: Poirier’s last fight on home soil and Holloway’s quest to avoid a third straight loss to a longtime rival and regain momentum in his run at lightweight supremacy.
One significant factor in predicting the outcome is the tactical approach Holloway is expected to take. Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz recently broke down Holloway’s keys to victory, emphasizing the importance of striking adjustments. Cruz highlighted Holloway’s kicks, “The number one adjustment is start with the hands, finish with the kicks because this man’s moving backwards,” explaining how Holloway’s range management and dexterous kicking game could neutralize Poirier’s lethal boxing arsenal. Holloway’s ability to mix quick teep kicks with lethal head kicks adds an extra layer of unpredictability.
Poirier, meanwhile, is renowned for his sharp boxing, relentless pressure, and tactical fight IQ. His ability to drag opponents into his preferred range and impose his powerful combinations forced Holloway to stumble multiple times in their last meeting. Poirier’s last KO loss came from a head kick by Justin Gaethje in 2023, a reminder of the constant striking threat both men face on Saturday.
Strategically, the fight is expected to remain mostly on the feet, focusing on crisp exchanges and pace control. Mike Bisping, former UFC middleweight champion and analyst, predicts a five-round firefight that could very well go to the judges, noting, “It’s going to be fireworks whilst it lasts… I think we might see five rounds and go to a decision. I’m not sure who wins it, but it’s going to be a great fight.”
For Poirier, the stakes could not be higher. Fighting in front of his passionate hometown crowd for the last time, the 35-year-old has expressed pride in capping his career on this note. “This is the biggest fight of my life,” Poirier said in a recent interview, underscoring the emotional intensity behind his final octagon appearance.
Holloway also faces tremendous pressure, fueled by his quest to reclaim his place among the lightweight elite and overcome the legacy Poirier holds over him. His recent win over Justin Gaethje proved his adaptability at 155 pounds and reignited his title aspirations.
In terms of intangibles, both fighters share a mutual respect and a warrior mentality, ensuring there will be no holding back. The stakes Poirier’s farewell and Holloway’s redemption create a potent recipe for a classic encounter.
The edge in UFC 318’s main event hinges on Holloway’s adjustments in striking range and kicking versus Poirier’s relentless pressure and powerful combinations. As Dominick Cruz summarized, “We’re going to see more kicks, more knees, more elbows, and a lot more trickiness out of Max.” But homegrown heroism and career closure make Poirier an emotionally charged competitor.
Saturday promises an unforgettable finish to one of MMA’s most compelling trilogies, with two of the sport’s finest leaving everything in the cage in front of a roaring New Orleans crowd.
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