Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier is set to embark on the final chapter of his illustrious MMA career with a highly anticipated trilogy fight against Max Holloway for the ceremonial BMF championship. The bout will take place on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, as part of the UFC 318 fight card. Poirier made the announcement during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on April 25, 2025, while he was in Green Bay for the NFL Draft, where he was also scheduled to announce one of the New Orleans Saints’ draft picks.
This matchup marks a significant moment for both fighters, who have a storied history that dates back to their first encounter in 2012. Poirier, a Louisiana native, is looking to conclude his career on a high note, stating, "Max is a legend. I said legends only. There’s not a better guy I could think to fight in my retirement fight. We’re going to put on another war." Poirier intends to hang up his gloves in the Octagon post-fight, a symbolic gesture marking the end of his journey.
Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, has also faced his share of challenges leading up to this bout. He suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in October 2024, marking the first knockout defeat of his professional career. Prior to that setback, Holloway had won three consecutive fights, including a stunning knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, which earned him the BMF title. Holloway's performance against Gaethje was so impressive that it garnered Uncrowned's 2024 Knockout of the Year honors.
The rivalry between Poirier and Holloway is well-documented. Their first fight took place at UFC 143, where Poirier handed Holloway his first professional defeat with a first-round submission. Their paths crossed again at UFC 236 in 2019, where Poirier claimed the interim lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory in a thrilling contest that earned Fight of the Night honors.
As of now, Poirier holds a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest, while Holloway’s record stands at 26 wins and 8 losses. Both fighters come into this matchup looking to rebound from recent defeats. Poirier's last bout was a title challenge against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024, where he lost via fifth-round submission.
The upcoming fight is not just another chapter in their rivalry; it’s a pivotal moment for both fighters as they seek to reclaim their status in the UFC. For Poirier, it’s a chance to secure a memorable farewell in front of his hometown fans, while Holloway looks to defend his BMF title and re-establish himself as a top contender. The stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await this showdown.
UFC 318 promises to be an electrifying event, with the main event spotlight shining brightly on Poirier and Holloway. Both fighters have proven themselves as elite competitors, and their history adds an extra layer of intrigue to this trilogy fight. As the date approaches, anticipation builds for what could be a thrilling conclusion to Poirier's career against one of his greatest rivals.
In the world of mixed martial arts, legacies are built on moments like these. Poirier and Holloway have both carved their names into the annals of UFC history, and their final encounter is sure to be remembered as a defining moment for both fighters. With the BMF title on the line, fans can expect nothing less than an all-out war as these two legends clash once again.
As the fight draws near, the MMA community is buzzing with predictions and analysis. Will Poirier secure a triumphant farewell, or will Holloway continue his reign as the BMF champion? One thing is for sure: the stakes couldn't be higher, and the excitement is at an all-time high as we count down to July 19.
Stay tuned for more updates as fight night approaches, and prepare for an unforgettable evening of action in New Orleans. The legacy of Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway will be further etched in history as they step into the Octagon for one last battle.
