The UFC 318 main event on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans is a legacy-defining clash between two legends, Max Holloway, the reigning BMF champion and former Featherweight king, and Dustin Poirier, the former interim Lightweight champion making his final walk to the Octagon. Their trilogy bout will not only settle the score at 1–1 but determine who leaves with the BMF belt, and potentially more in terms of lightweight title contention.
Max Holloway
Max Holloway (26–8) enters this fight surging with confidence after delivering one of the most iconic knockouts in UFC history, an all-time buzzer-beater KO over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, where he captured the symbolic BMF title. The Hawaiian fan-favorite, known for his relentless volume striking and granite chin, has declared lightweight his permanent home after years of domination at featherweight.
While his most recent loss came via KO to Ilia Topuria in a failed attempt to reclaim his featherweight crown, Holloway has looked rejuvenated at 155 pounds. His pace, precision, and durability make him a threat to any lightweight, and he’s had a full camp to prepare for Poirier’s power and boxing.
Max Holloway – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Ilia Topuria – KO (Punches) (UFC 308, Oct 2024)
2. Win vs. Justin Gaethje – KO (Punch) (UFC 300, Apr 2024) – BMF Title
3. Win vs. Jung Chan-sung – KO (Punch) (Aug 2023)
4. Win vs. Arnold Allen – Decision (Unanimous) (Apr 2023)
5. Loss vs. Alexander Volkanovski – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 276, Jul 2022)
Dustin Poirier
Dustin Poirier (30–9, 1 NC) steps into the Octagon for the final time in front of his home fans in Louisiana. “The Diamond” has been a staple of the lightweight elite for over a decade, with classic wars against the likes of Gaethje, McGregor, and Chandler. Most recently, he challenged Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, losing via submission in Round 5 after a gutsy performance.
Poirier’s knockout power, improved defensive wrestling, and veteran fight IQ have made him one of the most beloved and dangerous fighters at 155. However, the physical toll of his wars may show in this swan song.
Dustin Poirier – Last 5 Fights:
1. Loss vs. Islam Makhachev – Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC 302, Jun 2024)
2. Win vs. Benoît Saint Denis – KO (Punches) (UFC 299, Mar 2024)
3. Loss vs. Justin Gaethje – KO (Head Kick) (UFC 291, Jul 2023)
4. Win vs. Michael Chandler – Submission (RNC) (UFC 281, Nov 2022)
5. Loss vs. Charles Oliveira – Submission (RNC) (UFC 269, Dec 2021)
Previous Meetings
* UFC 143 (2012): Poirier submitted Holloway via triangle armbar in Holloway's UFC debut.
* UFC 236 (2019): Poirier defeated Holloway via unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight title in a five-round war.
Both fighters have evolved significantly since those meetings. Holloway's striking has matured to world-class levels, while Poirier has refined his counterpunching and finishing instincts at lightweight.
Prediction
This is a close, emotionally charged matchup between two future Hall of Famers. Both have outstanding boxing and championship-level experience. Poirier holds the power advantage, while Holloway brings elite cardio, volume, and durability.
However, at this stage of their careers, momentum and wear may play pivotal roles. Holloway is fresher, sharper, and fully adjusted to lightweight. His win over Gaethje proved he can hang and finish elite 155ers. Poirier, though still lethal, has been through multiple grueling battles and showed signs of decline against both Makhachev and Gaethje.
If Poirier can land early and hurt Max, a finish is possible. But Holloway has shown incredible resilience and the ability to overwhelm with pace, especially in the later rounds.
Prediction:
Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via TKO (Round 4)
Expect a classic. Poirier lands big early, but Holloway’s pressure, pace, and accumulation wear him down in the later rounds, giving Max the definitive edge in the trilogy, and sending Poirier into retirement with honor.