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🥊 UFC 318: Max Holloway Defeats Dustin Poirier in Epic Trilogy Finale — Poirier Retires After Legendary Career

Date: July 19, 2025
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Main Event: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3
Title on the Line: BMF (Baddest Motherf*****)

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✅ Main Event Recap: Holloway vs. Poirier III

In one of the most emotional and action-packed fights of the year, Max Holloway defeated Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision to retain the BMF title and close the trilogy with a 2-1 advantage in favor of Poirier overall. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 for Holloway.

Key Moments:

• Holloway dropped Poirier twice in the early rounds, showcasing sharp striking and excellent control of the pace.

• Poirier mounted a dangerous comeback attempt in Round 2 with a near-submission via guillotine and a powerful knockdown.

• Rounds 3 to 5 featured intense exchanges, ending in a wild final 10 seconds that brought the entire crowd to its feet.

Significant Strikes:

• Holloway: 201

• Poirier: 109

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🧤 Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement

Following the decision loss, Dustin Poirier left his gloves in the center of the Octagon, marking the end of his storied career. The 36-year-old former interim lightweight champion retires with a record of 30 wins, 10 losses, and 1 no contest.

Poirier's Career Highlights:

• Former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion

• Fights of the Year vs. Dan Hooker, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway

• Wins over Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, and more

• UFC veteran for over 16 years

In his post-fight speech, Poirier said:

“I’m forever grateful for everything this sport has given me. I never knew I touched so many people. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

The MMA community, including Islam Makhachev, Jorge Masvidal, Jon Jones, and others, paid tribute to Poirier on social media, hailing him as “one of the greatest” fighters and sportsmen in UFC history.

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📋 UFC 318 Main Card Results

Fight	Result
Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier	Holloway def. Poirier via unanimous decision
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov	Costa def. Kopylov via unanimous decision
Daniel Rodriguez vs. Kevin Holland	Rodriguez def. Holland via split decision
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire vs. Dan Ige	Freire def. Ige via unanimous decision
Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber	Johnson def. Zellhuber via unanimous decision

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🏆 Performance Bonuses

• Fight of the Night: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier

• Performance of the Night: Ateba Gautier, Islam Dulatov, Carli Judice

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📺 How to Watch UFC 318

• Live Broadcast: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View

• Replay Access: UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+ on-demand

• PPV Price: $79.99 USD

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📅 What’s Next?

• Max Holloway: With the BMF belt still around his waist and his lightweight ranking rising, Holloway may target a title shot or a blockbuster rematch with featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.

• UFC Schedule: Upcoming cards include UFC 319 in Abu Dhabi and UFC 320 featuring Islam Makhachev.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

UFC 318 delivered a fitting farewell for one of the sport’s most respected figures and solidified Max Holloway’s place among MMA legends. As Dustin Poirier exits the cage for the final time, fans will remember his grit, heart, and unforgettable performances.

This event wasn’t just about a belt—it was about legacy.

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