UPDATE: In a thrilling conclusion to his career, Dustin Poirier faced off against Max Holloway at UFC 318 on October 14, 2023, but ultimately fell short in a unanimous decision loss. The fight, held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, marked Poirier’s final appearance in the Octagon after an illustrious 16-year career.
The bout, which was a five-round clash for the BMF title, showcased the intense exchanges and resilience that Poirier became known for. All three judges scored the fight for Holloway with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. Poirier, 36, announced his retirement following the match, having amassed a record of 30 wins and 10 losses.
Holloway, now holding a record of 27-8, capitalized on a strong performance, outlanding Poirier with a total of 186 strikes compared to Poirier’s 114. The fight saw numerous dramatic moments, including Holloway dropping Poirier early and Poirier rallying with a knockdown of his own later in the second round.
After the fight, Holloway expressed his readiness for future challenges, referencing Ilia Topuria, the current 155-pound champion. Poirier, reflecting on his career, stated,
“I feel appreciated. I feel seen. This week has been incredible. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company. I’m a kid living the dream out here, man, throwing punches.”
Poirier’s legacy is cemented with significant achievements, including ties for the fifth-most wins in UFC history and the fourth-most knockouts. His career highlights include three undisputed title appearances and an interim lightweight title win in 2019 against Holloway, a fight that remains a classic in UFC history.
As Poirier bids farewell, the UFC community, along with fans, rallies to celebrate his contributions to the sport. The emotional atmosphere in the arena underscored the significance of his final fight, allowing fans to witness not just a match, but a moment in history.
What lies ahead for both fighters remains to be seen. Holloway will likely seek out new challengers in the lightweight division, while Poirier’s next chapter beyond fighting is anticipated with great interest. Stay tuned for further updates on both fighters as they transition into their next endeavors.
