The UFC 318 main event between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway delivered another instant classic, as the two lightweight titans met for the third time to settle one of MMA’s most iconic rivalries. Held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the fight headlined a stacked card and had fans on the edge of their seats from the first bell to the final horn.
Dustin Poirier had already claimed victory in both of their previous clashes, including a standout performance at UFC 236, where he secured the interim lightweight championship. But “Blessed” was on a mission to even the score, and the trilogy bout was hyped as a potential Fight of the Year—and it did not disappoint.
Round-by-Round Recap: Poirier vs Holloway 3
Round 1
Both fighters came out aggressive, with Holloway pushing the pace early using his signature volume striking. Dustin Poirier answered Holloway’s aggression with fierce counterpunches, landing crisp, accurate shots that visibly rocked Holloway. The crowd erupted with every exchange, as both men showcased elite-level boxing and defensive movement.
Round 2
Holloway found his rhythm, landing crisp jabs and mixing in body shots. Poirier looked to slow the tempo, digging into Holloway’s legs with sharp kicks. A big right hand from Poirier briefly stunned Holloway late in the round, but “Blessed” recovered quickly and kept the pressure on.
Round 3
The third round was a war. Both fighters stood in the pocket and traded blows with reckless abandon. Holloway’s cardio began to shine as he increased his output, but Poirier’s power punches continued to land flush. With both fighters trading blows in a razor-thin round, the judges faced a tough challenge scoring the action.
Round 4
To slow down Holloway’s relentless rhythm, Poirier strategically engaged in clinch battles, delivering punishing knees to the midsection and sharp elbows in tight exchanges. Holloway answered with slick footwork and high-volume combinations. The momentum appeared to slightly tilt in Poirier’s favor as he began wearing down his opponent.
Round 5
With the outcome still undecided, both fighters pushed their limits in the final minute—Holloway unleashed a flurry of combinations while Poirier fired back with thunderous counter hooks. The final exchange brought the crowd to their feet in appreciation of both men’s heart and toughness.
Official Result: Max Holloway defeats Dustin Poirier via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Max Holloway finally secured his first victory over Dustin Poirier, avenging two prior losses and completing one of the most dramatic trilogies in UFC history. His pressure, volume, and durability proved just enough to edge out a razor-close fight.
UFC 318 Highlights
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Fight of the Night: Holloway vs. Poirier 3
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Most Significant Strikes Landed: Holloway with 184
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Knockdown Count: Poirier – 1, Holloway – 0
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Post-Fight Bonus: Recognizing their incredible effort and entertainment value, UFC awarded both Poirier and Holloway a $50,000 performance bonus.
Fans and analysts alike are already calling this one of the best lightweight fights in recent memory. Both men left everything in the Octagon, and the respect between them post-fight was a reminder of what makes MMA truly special.
What’s Next for Holloway and Dustin Poirier?
With the win, Holloway potentially positions himself for another shot at the lightweight title or a high-profile bout against the likes of Islam Makhachev or Justin Gaethje. For Dustin Poirier, the narrow loss doesn’t diminish his legendary career—he remains a top contender and fan favorite.
Final Thoughts
UFC 318 was everything fans hoped for and more. The Poirier vs. Holloway trilogy capped off a night of thrilling action with a five-round battle that will go down in UFC history. Whether you’re #TeamBlessed or #TeamDiamond, both fighters cemented their legacies with a performance that transcended wins and losses.