Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway delivered a terrific trilogy show. They gave their all, but for one to rise, one had to fall.
Max Holloway served the role of a ‘villain’ by giving Dustin Poirier a defeat on his final fight. After 5 rounds of exhilarating action, Max Holloway was announced the winner by unanimous decision.
The fight was filled with knockdowns, submission attempts, and the iconic stepdown moment in the last 10 seconds of the fight.
Tears trickled down Poirier’s eyes during the post-fight interview; he has officially retired from the sport.
The disheartening part was not seeing a belt around DP. It is something he has desired profoundly throughout his career. However, belts don’t define the glory of a career; no better example than DP to prove this statement.
DUSTIN POIRIER TAKES OFF THE GLOVES FOR THE FINAL TIME 🥲 #UFC318pic.twitter.com/i95P3hvyxg
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 20, 2025
Max looks forward to fighting Ilia Topuria next to resolve unresolved matters. It is unlikely to see that happening anytime soon as Dana White and the UFC seem to be more inclined to make Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway. However, during the post fight press conference Dana White revealed the anything is possible for Max.
The Iconic Stepdown Moment
During the last few seconds of the match, Max invited El Diamante to participate in a fight standing in one place.
MAX HOLLOWAY POINTS TO THE GROUND AND STANDS AND BANGS WITH DUSTIN POIRIER TO END THE FIGHT
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 20, 2025
LEGENDARY! #UFC318pic.twitter.com/rwzQbh4VD9
Post-Fight Interview
Below is the retirement speech that not many people were looking forward to. A glorious career has come to an end but his legacy will live on forever.