Max Holloway successfully defended his “BMF” title and avenged two loses to Dustin Poirier earlier in his career with a unanimous decision in the main event of UFC 318 tonight at Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans.
Holloway (27-8, 23-8 UFC) knocked down Poirier (30-10, 1 NC; 22-9, 1 NC) in each of the first two rounds and used a heavy significant strikes landed advantage to score his second consecutive victory at 155 pounds.
Two judges scored the fight 49-46 and the third had it 48-47. The Star-Advertiser scored it 49-46 in favor of Holloway.
Holloway didn’t say much in the Octagon after the fight.
“This isn’t my moment. I am done talking,”Holloway said. “This is Dustin’s retirement fight. Give it up for the man.”
Poirier, who is from nearby Lafayette, La., announced earlier this year this would be his final fight.
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Poirier submitted Holloway in Holloway’s UFC debut and beat him by decision for the interim lightweight championship in 2019.
Holloway landed a straight right hand that put Poirier down early in the first round.
Holloway landed a right hook that sent Poirier to the canvas again in Round 2. Poirier worked his way to his feet with a minute left and then landed a hook to Holloway’s temple that put him down. Poirier went for a guillotine choke and ended the round on top, sending Holloway wobbling to his corner.
Holloway kept up a faster face and wore down Poirier the rest of the fight. Holloway landed more significant strikes in every round.
“The guy is tough to deal with,” Poirier said. “He’s slick. He’s crafty. He’s fast. He’s the champ. I have nothing but respect for Max. He’s one of the good guys.”
In a featherweight fight on the main card of the pay-per-view, Kahuku’s Dan Ige, ranked No. 11 at 145 pounds, lost a unanimous decision to Patricio Pitbull (37-8, 1-1). Ige, who lost the first two rounds and won the third, dropped to 19-10 overall and 11-9 in the UFC.
