3 Interesting Facts About Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway Trilogy That You Should Know

When UFC 318 arrives in New Orleans on July 19, it will be more than just another pay-per-view event; it will mark the emotional conclusion to one of MMA’s most captivating careers. Dustin Poirier, a Louisiana native, has indicated that his fight against Max Holloway will be his final appearance in the Octagon. Fittingly, his retirement bout is against a familiar foe: BMF champion Max Holloway. More than just cage time, the two share history, evolution, and mutual respect. “There’s not a better guy I could think of to fight in my retirement fight,” Poirier told The Pat McAffee Show. “He’s a legend, former champion, and current BMF champion, so we’re going to put on another war.”

Holloway, too, sees this matchup as a new beginning. After conquering the featherweight division and scoring one of the most legendary knockouts in UFC history at UFC 300, the Hawaiian star is making the permanent move to lightweight. Beating Poirier, a previous interim champion and regular challenger, would immediately establish Holloway as a real threat in the 155-pound division. But, before the cage door closes on this historical trilogy, here are three fascinating facts you need to know.

This will be the second trilogy fight for both Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway not only share a three-fight series, but they also have the uncommon distinction of fighting in multiple trilogies throughout their careers. Poirier’s first trilogy was against none other than ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. Their rivalry began in 2014 at UFC 178, when a younger, less experienced Poirier was defeated in just under two minutes. Little did anyone know that this would start a vicious feud that would end with one of them being AFK for years.

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Dustin Poirier take part in a press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz in central London to discuss their upcoming title bout UFC 242 which is to be held in Abu Dhabi. Press conference held at Hotel Cafe Royal, 68 Regent Street, London on 12 June 2019. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK Copyright: xAndyxRowlandx PMI-2865-0019

Holloway, meanwhile, had his own grueling trilogy against Alexander Volkanovski, probably the greatest featherweight in UFC history. Volkanovski won all three fights, including one that provoked fan outrage. Holloway’s trilogy against Dustin Poirier now represents his chance to rebuild his reputation after a loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, while ‘The Diamond’ gets one last chance to prove himself as one of the best lightweights of his era—this time in front of his hometown crowd.

Dustin Poirier is 2-0 against Max Holloway and went 2-1 in his trilogy with Conor McGregor

Dustin Poirier has proven to be a thorn in the sides of two of the UFC’s most popular fighters. He has a 2-0 record against Max Holloway, including a first-round submission win in Holloway’s UFC debut in 2012. Years later, in 2019, Poirier solidified his supremacy by defeating Holloway again, this time by unanimous decision in a five-round fight at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title. Poirier also holds a 2-1 lead in one of the sport’s most high-profile trilogy fights, versus Conor McGregor.

Their first fight was at UFC 178 in 2014, when Conor McGregor defeated Poirier in less than two minutes with a crisp left and rapid ground-and-pound. However, at UFC 257 in 2021, Poirier returned the favor, chopping ‘The Notorious’ down with calf kicks before recording a stunning second-round knockout victory. Their final fight at UFC 264 ended in controversy when the Irishman broke his leg at the end of the first round, handing ‘The Diamond’ a TKO victory via doctor’s stoppage. Despite the regrettable outcome, Dustin Poirier walked away with the series lead and two victories against the sport’s biggest global star.

Max Holloway is 0-2 against Dustin Poirier and went 0-3 in his trilogy with Alexander Volkanovski

Max Holloway may be a fan favorite and one of the finest featherweights of all time, but when it comes to rivalries, Dustin Poirier and Alexander Volkanovski have consistently outperformed him. Holloway is winless in both series. He lost to Dustin Poirier in his UFC debut in 2012 by mounted triangle armbar. Seven years later, he moved up to lightweight to challenge Poirier for the interim championship at UFC 236. Despite his famed toughness, ‘Blessed’ was outgunned over five rounds, with Poirier’s power and output securing a unanimous decision victory.

Holloway went 0-3 against Alexander Volkanovski in a three-match series spanning 2019–2022. Volkanovski won a unanimous decision in their first fight at UFC 245 by shutting off Holloway’s offense with powerful leg kicks and precise hitting. Their second fight at UFC 251 created controversy, with Volkanovski narrowly winning a split decision in a contest that many think Holloway won, especially after scoring early knockdowns. But when they fought for the third time at UFC 276, ‘The Great’ left little question, overpowering Holloway for five rounds in a masterpiece that resulted in a lopsided unanimous decision. With that, ‘Blessed’ had a 0-3 record against the Australian champion.

April 15, 2023, Kansas City, MO, Missouri, USA: KANSAS Kansas City, MO, MISSOURI – APRIL 15: Max Holloway addresses the media after UFC Fight Night Kansas City at T-Mobile Center on April 15th, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Kansas City, MO USA – ZUMAp175 20230415_zsa_p175_171 Copyright: xMattxDaviesx

With Dustin Poirier prepared to leave his gloves in the cage and Max Holloway bravely embarking on a new chapter, UFC 318 is more than just another fight card; it’s an important moment for two of the UFC’s most beloved warriors. Whether it’s Dustin Poirier riding out into the sunset with one more win in his hometown or ‘Blessed’ turning the tables and declaring his arrival at lightweight with a bang, one thing is certain: July 19 in New Orleans will be unforgettable. Who do you think will win this historical fight, The Diamond or Blessed? Let us know in the comments.

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