Photo | John David Mercer
Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway 3
Buckle up because we’re diving into one of the most important fights of 2025: Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway at UFC 318, set for July 19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This isn’t just any fight—it’s the third chapter of a storied rivalry, a clash for the BMF title, and most importantly, Dustin Poirier’s final walk to the Octagon. Although Poirier said he preferred a fight against Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje, nobody is complaining about the Holloway matchup.
Poirier and Holloway have been trading leather for over a decade, and their history is the stuff of MMA lore. They first fought back in 2012 at UFC 143, when a 20-year-old Holloway made his UFC debut against a hungry Poirier. That night, Poirier showed his grappling ability, tapping out the young Hawaiian with a first-round arm-triangle choke.
Fast forward to 2019 at UFC 236, and the rematch was a whole different beast. Both guys were in their prime, with Holloway as the featherweight king and Poirier gunning for the lightweight title. They went to war for five rounds, with Poirier’s power and boxing edging out a unanimous decision for the interim lightweight title. It was a banger that earned Fight of the Night honors and left fans buzzing.
Now, in 2025, we’re getting the trilogy—13 years after their first dance. Poirier’s 2-0 against Holloway, but don’t let that fool you. Holloway’s a different animal today, and this fight’s got stakes that go beyond just a W.
Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Poirier’s Retirement
This ain’t just another PPV main event. For Poirier, it’s the end of an era. The 36-year-old Lafayette native has been crystal clear: UFC 318 is his retirement fight, and he’s laying the gloves down in his home state of Louisiana.
“I’m going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me,” Poirier said on The Pat McAfee Show. “The whole journey started there, and I’m just honored to have the UFC on the same page.”
The UFC pulled out all the stops to make this happen in New Orleans, a nod to Poirier’s Louisiana roots and his status as one of the sport’s most beloved figures.
Poirier wants to ride into the sunset with that platinum strap around his waist. Poirier’s no stranger to the BMF scene—he fought for it in 2023 but got slept by Gaethje. This time, he’s got a chance to cap his career with a symbolic title that screams respect.
Poirier vs Holloway | HOF
Predicting The Trilogy
This fight’s personal for both guys. For Poirier, it’s about going out on his terms, in his hometown, against a guy he respects but has beaten twice. “I was his first fight in the UFC, and he’s going to be my last,” Poirier said, and that symmetry is poetic.
For Holloway, it’s a chance to flip the script on a rival who’s had his number and prove he can hang at 155 pounds. Plus, the BMF title adds that extra layer of importance—both these fighters embody what that belt’s all about.
Predicting this one’s hard. Poirier’s got the edge in power and a history of getting the better of Holloway, but Max’s durability and volume could make it a dogfight. If Poirier lands clean, he might steal the show early. If Holloway weathers the storm, he could outwork Poirier down the stretch. Either way, don’t expect this to go to the judges—this feels like a finish, one way or another.
Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!
