Charles Oliveira Predicts Dustin Poirier’s Fate Against Max Holloway in UFC 318 Trilogy

We’re in the endgame of Dustin Poirier’s legendary career. As UFC 318 approaches, Poirier and Max Holloway are set to clash one final time, with ‘The Diamond’ confirming he’ll hang up the gloves after fighting in his hometown of New Orleans. With years of rivalry behind them, this epic trilogy promises a storybook ending for Poirier. Now, in the lead-up to this historic bout,  former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who has shared the Octagon with both, has stepped forward to reveal his pick.

While speaking with the team from Full Violence, Charles Oliveira was asked who he believes will emerge victorious, considering he has fought both of them. Responding to the question in Portuguese, Oliveira ascertained, “When I fought Holloway, I didn’t have the chance to fight because it was too fast, but I had an injury. I think Holloway is a guy who moves a lot, a guy who catches.” said Oliveira.

However, when it came to Dustin Poirier he said,“But man, Dustin Poirier is a guy that I have huge respect for. Of all the guys that I have fought, he’s the one with the sharpest boxing. He fights more consciously, he has a heavy hand, he knows how to play the game. He will fight at home, particularly, so I think Poirier wins.”

Well, after 16 years and 41 fights, Dustin Poirier is finally set to wrap up his career. Many within the MMA community argue that he still has plenty of fight left in him, but Poirier believes he’s done enough in the sport. Being the former interim lightweight champion, Poirier challenged for the undisputed title three times—against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, and Charles Oliveira. However, despite his elite boxing skills, he was submitted each time.

NEW YORK CITY, NY – NOVEMBER 12: L-R Dustin Poirier looks on during the UFC 281 event at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2022 in New York City, New York, United States. Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages Louis Grasse / SPP PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBRAxMEX Copyright: xLouisxGrassex/xSPPx spp-en-LoGr-lrg2211121091204_UFC281_MAIN

With just months remaining until the ultimate battle, both Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier are preparing for their long-awaited showdown. Interestingly, former dual-weight champion Daniel Cormier has suggested that things might get a bit tough for ‘The Diamond’ in what could be his retirement fight.

“Not always the best” — Daniel Cormier on Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier explained that Dustin Poirier’s decision to retire in his hometown might backfire on him, “Look man, everybody wants to fight at home, but it’s not always the best. Think about this, the guys that have fought at home in a retirement fight, how’s it gone?” 

Daniel Cormier issued a caution rooted in experience, not hype. He’s watched too many careers wind down the same way. Just look at Anthony Smith. The UFC tried to give him a respectful sendoff close to home in Kansas City. But instead of a storybook ending, Smith was outclassed and left battered in front of his own crowd. It was anything but a celebration. Looking at this, Cormier added, “Not only did he get his butt kicked, he got into a fight with a fan after losing like that.”

He further added, “Nobody likes a person falling more than the people who may come from the same situation as them.” With a career record of 30 victories, 9 defeats, and 1 no-contest, Dustin Poirier has come a long way. But losing a retirement fight in his hometown isn’t a good look. What do you think about Dustin Poirier’s career? State your opinion in the comments below.

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