Dustin Poirier is set to make his final walk to the Octagon on July 19, 2025, as he faces off against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans. This highly anticipated trilogy bout will not only mark the end of Poirier's illustrious career, but it will also see the BMF title on the line, adding even more stakes to an already thrilling matchup.
Poirier, a former interim lightweight champion, announced his retirement fight during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on April 25, 2025. The 36-year-old fighter, known as "The Diamond," holds a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. After considering retirement following his loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 last June, Poirier decided to take one last fight in his home state of Louisiana.
"The UFC’s coming back to New Orleans in July," Poirier said. "July 19 is going to be my final fight. I’m going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me. The whole journey started there. July 19th, me and Max Holloway are going to fight, five rounds, main event, pay-per-view for his current BMF title." This announcement has sent waves of excitement through the MMA community as fans prepare to witness the conclusion of Poirier's storied career.
Max Holloway, the former featherweight champion and current BMF titleholder, comes into this fight with a record of 26 wins and 8 losses. He is looking to rebound after suffering a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 last October. Holloway has faced Poirier twice before, with Poirier winning both encounters. Their first fight took place at UFC 143 in February 2012, where Poirier secured a first-round submission victory. The two fighters met again at UFC 236 in April 2019, this time for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier winning by unanimous decision after a grueling five-round battle.
Poirier's decision to retire after this fight is poignant, as he reflects on the journey that has brought him to this moment. "I couldn’t think of a better guy to fight in my retirement fight," Poirier expressed. "I was his first fight in the UFC back in 2012, and he’s going to be my last fight in the UFC. So, it’s an honor. He’s a legend, former champion, undisputed, current BMF champion. So, we’re going to put on another war." This sentiment underscores the respect and camaraderie shared between the two fighters, who have both grown immensely since their first encounter.
The upcoming fight at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans promises to be a spectacle, not just for the stakes involved but also for the emotional weight it carries for Poirier. As he prepares to close this chapter of his life, fans are eager to see how this final clash will unfold. Will Poirier go out on a high note, or will Holloway find a way to turn the tide and claim victory against the man who has bested him twice before?
In the lead-up to UFC 318, Poirier has been training intensely, demonstrating his dedication to making this last fight memorable. He has expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career and is determined to leave it all in the Octagon. "I was asking Hunter for Gaethje, because we're 1-1. I wanted to close out that trilogy. For some reason, they really wanted this clash. That's cool because I respect Max for my last fight," Poirier mentioned in a recent interview.
The fight between Poirier and Holloway is not just another bout; it is a culmination of their shared history and a testament to their growth as fighters. Both athletes have evolved since their first meeting, and fans can expect a fierce showdown as they battle for supremacy one last time. With both fighters having something significant to prove, the anticipation continues to build as the date approaches.
As the MMA community gears up for this monumental event, the storylines surrounding Poirier's retirement and Holloway's quest for redemption add layers of intrigue to the matchup. It is a fight that promises to deliver excitement, drama, and perhaps a bit of nostalgia for fans who have followed both fighters throughout their careers.
On July 19, the world will watch as Dustin Poirier steps into the Octagon for the final time, ready to face Max Holloway in a battle that is sure to be remembered for years to come. With the BMF title on the line and both fighters bringing their best to the cage, UFC 318 is shaping up to be a historic night for mixed martial arts.
As the countdown continues, one can only wonder what will unfold in this epic trilogy. Will Poirier solidify his legacy with a final victory, or will Holloway reclaim his place at the top of the lightweight division? Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable career.
