The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans witnessed something truly special on July 19, 2025 – the end of an era and the continuation of a legend. Max Holloway successfully defended his BMF title for the first time in UFC history, defeating Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier by unanimous decision in what will go down as one of the most emotionally charged and technically brilliant fights of the year.
The Perfect Storm for an Instant Classic
A Homecoming Like No Other
UFC 318 was built entirely around Dustin Poirier’s farewell fight, marking the rare occasion where an entire pay-per-view card served as a tribute to one man’s legendary career. The Louisiana native chose the perfect setting for his swan song – competing in front of friends and family in New Orleans, just two hours from his hometown of Lafayette.
The emotional weight of the evening was palpable from the moment Poirier made his entrance alongside rap icon Lil Wayne, reprising the same artist who accompanied his UFC debut walkout song “A Milli” back in 2011. This poetic bookend perfectly encapsulated Poirier’s incredible 14-year journey in the UFC.
The BMF Title at Stake
What made this trilogy fight even more significant was the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) championship on the line. Holloway entered the contest as the defending champion, having captured the belt with one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. For Poirier, winning the BMF title would have provided the perfect capstone to his Hall of Fame career – a symbolic belt that represents everything he embodied as a fighter.
Round-by-Round Breakdown: A War for the Ages
Early Fireworks Set the Tone
From the opening bell, both men came to fight. Poirier immediately tested Holloway’s chin – a legitimate concern given that “Blessed” was coming off the first knockout loss of his career to Ilia Topuria just nine months earlier. However, it was Holloway who struck first, dropping Poirier with a crisp right hand in the opening round.
The knockdown served as an early statement, but anyone familiar with Dustin Poirier’s career knew he would respond. True to his warrior spirit, Poirier absorbed the punishment, got back to his feet, and began implementing his game plan.
The Second Round Showcase
Round two delivered everything MMA fans could want from a BMF title fight. Holloway continued his assault, landing another beautiful uppercut that put Poirier down for the second time. But in a moment that perfectly encapsulated both fighters’ legacies, Poirier not only survived but turned the tide dramatically.
After weathering Holloway’s storm, Poirier landed his own thunderous right hand that sent the Hawaiian crashing to the canvas. In typical Poirier fashion, he immediately shot for his signature guillotine choke attempt, though Holloway managed to escape. The crowd erupted as both men had tasted the canvas, setting up what would become a grueling championship-round battle.
Statistical breakdown of the UFC 318 main event showing Holloway’s dominant striking performance
Championship Heart in Championship Rounds
The final three rounds showcased why both men are destined for the UFC Hall of Fame. Poirier began to find success with his crisp jabs, opening a cut under Holloway’s left eye in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Holloway relied on his legendary volume striking, outlanding Poirier 186-114 in total strikes according to official UFC statistics.
The storybook ending came in the final moments when both fighters met in the center of the octagon for Holloway’s patented “point-down” exchange. True to form, they stood toe-to-toe and threw leather until the final horn, with Holloway getting the better of the exchange.
Historic Significance: First Successful BMF Defense
Max Holloway’s unanimous decision victory (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) created multiple pieces of UFC history1. He became the first fighter ever to successfully defend the BMF title, adding another milestone to his already impressive résumé. The victory also moved Holloway into a tie for second place on the all-time UFC wins list with 23 victories1.
| UFC 318 Fight Statistics | Max Holloway | Dustin Poirier |
|---|---|---|
| Total Strikes Landed | 186 | 114 |
| Significant Strikes | 198 | 109 |
| Knockdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Result | Winner (UD) | Loser (UD) |
For Poirier, the loss marked the end of a remarkable career that saw him retire with 22 UFC wins, tying him for fifth all-time. Despite falling short of undisputed championship gold, his legacy as one of the greatest fighters never to win a title remains unquestioned.
Personal Perspective: Why This Fight Mattered
From a fan’s perspective, UFC 318 represented everything beautiful about mixed martial arts. Here were two men who had shared over a decade of history, from Holloway’s UFC debut against Poirier in 2012 to this emotional finale in 2025. The respect between them was genuine, the competition was fierce, and the heart they showed was inspirational.
What struck me most was Poirier’s grace in defeat. After 16 years of professional fighting, watching him lay his gloves down in the center of the octagon while the New Orleans crowd gave him a standing ovation was genuinely moving. His post-fight speech, where he said “I feel appreciated, I feel seen… I’m a kid living his dream out here, throwing punches,” perfectly captured why he became such a beloved figure in the sport.
Holloway’s performance was equally impressive from a technical standpoint. Coming off his first career knockout loss, many questioned whether his legendary chin had finally been cracked. Instead, he showed remarkable mental fortitude, absorbing Poirier’s best shots and responding with his own devastating offense.
The BMF Legacy Continues
The BMF title’s brief but impactful history reached a new chapter at UFC 318. Since its inception at UFC 244 in 2019, when Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz for the inaugural belt, the title has represented something unique in combat sports. It’s not about rankings or divisions – it’s about attitude, heart, and the willingness to engage in wars that fans will remember forever.
| BMF Title History | Winner | Method | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC 244 (2019) | Jorge Masvidal | TKO vs Diaz | First Champion |
| UFC 291 (2023) | Justin Gaethje | KO vs Poirier | Title Returns |
| UFC 300 (2024) | Max Holloway | KO vs Gaethje | New Champion |
| UFC 318 (2025) | Max Holloway | UD vs Poirier | First Defense |
Holloway’s successful defense sets a precedent for future BMF title fights and solidifies his place in the belt’s growing legacy.
Career Legacies: Two Hall of Fame Trajectories
Dustin Poirier’s Enduring Impact
Poirier’s retirement ends one of the most compelling career arcs in UFC history. With wins over Conor McGregor (twice), Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway (twice), his résumé reads like a who’s who of lightweight legends. His 15 post-fight bonuses and reputation for always delivering entertainment made him a fan favorite transcending wins and losses.
His philanthropic efforts through The Good Fight Foundation, which earned him the inaugural Forrest Griffin Community Award in 2020, showed that his impact extended far beyond the octagon. In an era where many fighters chase controversy for attention, Poirier remained authentic and humble throughout his career.
Max Holloway’s Continued Excellence
At 33 years old, Holloway continues to add chapters to his legendary career. His move to lightweight has proven successful, and holding the BMF title gives him options for marquee fights across multiple divisions. With 23 UFC wins and counting, he’s positioned to potentially break the all-time UFC wins record before his career concludes.
His performance against Poirier proved that the Topuria knockout was an anomaly rather than a sign of decline. The volume striking, defensive movement, and finishing instinct that made him a featherweight legend remain fully intact at lightweight.
Looking Forward: The Aftermath of UFC 318
The emotional aftermath of UFC 318 extended beyond the fight itself. Poirier’s retirement ceremony, complete with a tribute video and heartfelt speeches, provided closure for one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Meanwhile, Holloway’s successful BMF defense opens up intriguing possibilities for future opponents.
For MMA as a sport, fights like UFC 318 remind us why we fell in love with mixed martial arts in the first place. It wasn’t about rankings or title shots – it was about two warriors leaving everything in the cage and creating memories that will last forever.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
UFC 318 delivered on every level, from the emotional storylines to the technical excellence inside the octagon. Max Holloway’s victory spoiled Dustin Poirier’s storybook ending, but both men emerged as winners in the eyes of fight fans worldwide.
The trilogy between Holloway and Poirier, spanning 13 years from UFC 143 to UFC 318, represents one of the most compelling rivalries in UFC history. While Poirier won their first two encounters, Holloway’s victory in the trilogy finale creates a perfect bookend to both their careers and their shared legacy.
As Dustin Poirier transitions into retirement and Max Holloway continues his lightweight campaign with the BMF title, UFC 318 will be remembered as the night New Orleans said goodbye to a legend while crowning the division’s newest king. In a sport often defined by controversy and drama, this fight reminded us that sometimes the best stories are simply about two elite athletes respecting each other while competing at the highest possible level.
What’s your take on UFC 318? Do you think this was the perfect send-off for Dustin Poirier’s career? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for more in-depth UFC analysis and breakdowns.
How Many Times Did Holloway Fight Poirier?
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier have faced each other three times across their storied UFC careers, creating one of the most compelling trilogy rivalries in mixed martial arts history. Their first encounter took place at UFC 143 on February 4, 2012, when a 19-year-old Holloway stepped in on short notice as an injury replacement to make his UFC debut against the more experienced 22-year-old Poirier. In what would be the only submission loss of Holloway’s career, Poirier dominated the young Hawaiian, securing a triangle-armbar submission victory in the first round at just 3:23. This debut served as a harsh welcome to the UFC for Holloway, but also marked the beginning of what would become an incredible journey for both fighters.
Seven years later, their paths crossed again at UFC 236 on April 13, 2019, this time with much higher stakes. Holloway, now the reigning UFC featherweight champion, moved up to lightweight to face Poirier for the interim lightweight championship after Khabib Nurmagomedov’s suspension. In a five-round war that earned Fight of the Night honors, Poirier won by unanimous decision (49-46 on all three scorecards), capturing his first UFC title and ending Holloway’s remarkable 13-fight winning streak. The victory represented a career-defining moment for “The Diamond,” who had waited over eight years in the UFC for his first title shot.
Their trilogy concluded at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, with Holloway successfully defending his BMF title against the retiring Poirier by unanimous decision. The series record now stands at 2-1 in favor of Poirier, but Holloway’s victory in their final meeting provided the perfect narrative arc – the young fighter who lost his debut had grown into a champion capable of defeating the man who first welcomed him to the UFC octagon. This 13-year journey from UFC 143 to UFC 318 perfectly encapsulates the evolution of both fighters and their respective legacies in mixed martial arts.