The vibrant atmosphere of UFC 318 as Poirier bids farewell.
In a historic evening for UFC fans in New Orleans, Dustin Poirier fought his final match at UFC 318 against Max Holloway. The bout showcased high-level competition as both fighters exchanged powerful strikes. Despite Poirier’s resilience, Holloway secured a unanimous decision victory, defending his BMF title. Poirier’s retirement was marked by a symbolic gesture of leaving his gloves in the octagon, while fans celebrated his impactful career with heartfelt tributes.
UFC fans in New Orleans witnessed a historic evening on Saturday night as Dustin Poirier fought in the octagon for his final time at UFC 318. The event, held at the Smoothie King Center, marked the end of an illustrious career for Poirier, who faced off against long-time rival and future UFC Hall of Famer Max Holloway.
The main event featured the highly anticipated showdown between Poirier and Holloway, a rivalry that dates back over a decade. Their first encounter took place in 2012, with Poirier winning both of their previous meetings in 2012 and 2019. Despite Holloway being the favorite going into the fight—especially due to recent wins and his performance, which included aggressive striking—the bout was fiercely competitive.
In this final match, Poirier competed for the BMF Championship belt, emphasizing the importance and emotional significance of his last UFC appearance. Leading up to the fight, Poirier received a warm farewell from the fans, complemented by a tribute video that highlighted key moments from his career. Fans and peers alike showed respect for Poirier’s contributions to the sport as he prepared to hang up his gloves.
The fight itself was intense, with both fighters displaying high-level skills and determination. Holloway was aggressive from the start, continuously landing combinations and significant strikes. In the second round, Holloway managed to knock Poirier down twice, demonstrating his power and relentless pressure. However, Poirier proved resilient, recovering quickly and remaining competitive throughout the five-round bout.
Throughout the fight, the fighters exchanged powerful strikes in a back-and-forth contest. Despite Poirier’s efforts to turn the tide, Holloway’s consistent aggression and accumulation of strikes ultimately earned him the victory. The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Holloway, with a 50-45 decision, cementing Holloway’s successful defense of his BMF title and his continuing prominence in the lightweight division.
As the final bell rang, Poirier took off his gloves and left them in the center of the octagon— a traditional gesture symbolizing his retirement from professional MMA. During his farewell moment, the iconic song “My Way” by Frank Sinatra played, adding a poignant touch to the evening. Poirier expressed feelings of gratitude, stating that he felt appreciated and seen, and acknowledged his surprise at the impact he has had on others during his career.
The event featured a total of 14 fights, including several notable performances. Paulo Costa secured a win over Roman Kopylov, while Daniel Rodriguez defeated Kevin Holland. Michael Johnson marked his third consecutive victory with a win against Daniel Zellhuber. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire earned his first UFC victory by defeating Dan Ige via unanimous decision. Many early fights on the undercard concluded with finishes, adding to the excitement of the event.
With 30 wins and 9 losses overall, Poirier’s career has been marked by notable victories and resilience. His decision to retire comes after contemplating stepping away from competition, making UFC 318 a fitting conclusion to his time in the sport. Poirier’s farewell was characterized by appreciation from fans and peers, celebrating his contributions and memorable moments in MMA history.
Meanwhile, Max Holloway solidified his position in the lightweight division, successfully defending his BMF title and positioning himself as a top contender for future fights. His victory ensures continued prominence in the division and sets the stage for upcoming matchups in the UFC’s lightweight lineup.
UFC 318 thus not only served as a night of fierce competition but also marked a significant milestone in MMA history with the retirement of one of its seasoned fighters and the ongoing rise of another.
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