Max Holloway Defeats Poirier in Thrilling Farewell Fight at UFC 318
In an emotionally charged finale to a storied MMA career, Dustin Poirier stepped into the Octagon for the final time at UFC 318, only to fall short in a unanimous decision loss to Max Holloway. Despite the defeat, the night felt less like a farewell and more like a celebration of Poirier’s 16-year journey in professional mixed martial arts.
Fighting in front of a roaring crowd at the Smoothie King Center in his home state of Louisiana, Poirier was met with overwhelming love and admiration. His final bout — a five-round BMF title clash — was a back-and-forth war filled with momentum shifts and highlight moments, ultimately culminating in a signature Holloway “point-down” exchange as both fighters slugged it out in the center of the cage.
Judges scored the lightweight showdown 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 for Holloway (27-8), who used superior volume and precision to outland Poirier 186-114 in total strikes, according to UFC Stats.
“I’m pretty happy,” Holloway said post-fight. “Poirier can still hit hard, but he kept coming back and back. I knew I was going to try and be the spoiler and the villain tonight.”
Poirier, 36, retires tied for fifth-most wins in UFC history (22) and fourth-most knockouts (11). While he never secured an undisputed title coming up short in championship bouts against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev he did capture the interim lightweight belt in 2019 by defeating Holloway in an epic five-round battle.
This fight marked the third chapter in their rivalry, with Poirier having won the first two. Saturday’s bout delivered the kind of chaos fans have come to expect from a Poirier matchup. Holloway dropped Poirier early in the first and again in the second, but the resilient Louisianan fired back, even dropping Holloway and threatening a guillotine in a gritty second-round response.
Adding a poetic touch, Poirier walked out to Lil Wayne’s “A Milli” the same track he used for his UFC debut in 2011 — and was joined by the New Orleans rap icon himself. The UFC had even adjusted its event calendar to ensure the Lafayette native could end his career in his home state.
“This week has been incredible,” Poirier reflected. “I feel appreciated. I feel seen. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company. I’m a kid living the dream out here, man, throwing punches.”
For Holloway, the win marks a triumphant rebound after suffering the first knockout loss of his career in October to Ilia Topuria at featherweight. Now holding the BMF belt and ranked No. 4 in the lightweight division, Holloway’s future is wide open.
“Anything is possible for Max right now,” said UFC president Dana White. “He’s in a great position for a potential rematch with Topuria at 155 pounds.”
As Poirier exits the sport with grace and gratitude, Holloway surges forward — still dangerous, still game, and still chasing greatness.