Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier III at UFC 318 preview

Date and venue

When: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Main card start: Approximately 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT


Cage walks: Around 12:05 AM ET (Sunday)

What is at stake

Max Holloway defends the BMF title after his spectacular knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. For Dustin Poirier, this is not just another fight. He has publicly confirmed this will be the final bout of his storied career, retiring in front of a hometown Louisiana crowd.

The trilogy backstory

Dustin Poirier holds two victories over Max Holloway, first submitting him during their UFC 143 clash in 2012 and later earning a unanimous decision win at UFC 236 in 2019. Now Holloway is chasing redemption and aiming to close this chapter on his terms. Both fighters enter with legacy and pride fueling their preparation.

Fighter dynamics and strategies

Max Holloway, age 33 with a record of 26 wins and 8 losses, is renowned for his relentless volume striking and holds the UFC’s all-time record for significant strikes landed. Dustin Poirier, age 36 with a record of 30 wins and 9 losses, remains one of MMA’s most technically refined boxers and a cerebral southpaw who thrives on calculated pressure. Analysts predict Holloway will need to mix boxing with kicks to offset Poirier’s sharp combinations and forward momentum.

Industry perspectives

Former champions and analysts are divided on how this fight will unfold. Some highlight Poirier’s accumulated wear and tear, suggesting Holloway’s conditioning and volume could prove decisive over five rounds. Others argue Poirier’s precision and power remain dangerous and could once again frustrate Holloway’s high-output approach.

Odds and predictions

Betting lines slightly favor Holloway, with bookmakers viewing him as the fresher fighter despite Poirier’s two to zero advantage in head-to-head meetings. Public sentiment online reflects a growing belief in Holloway’s momentum following his recent performances, though Poirier’s loyal fan base is equally vocal in his support.

Why this fight matters

Factor	Significance
Legacy	Poirier’s retirement bout offers a final hall of fame moment
Redemption	Holloway seeks to avenge two prior losses against Poirier
Entertainment	Both fighters are known for fan friendly high action styles
Title impact	A Holloway win could propel him into lightweight title talks

Final word

This trilogy is more than a title defense or a retirement fight. It is about closure, legacy and defining moments for two of the most respected fighters in UFC history. For Holloway it is a shot at rewriting the past and proving his worth in the lightweight division. For Poirier it is the chance to end a remarkable career on his own terms. Fans should expect a battle marked by grit, endurance and striking excellence.