News Summary
Dustin Poirier fought his final match at UFC 318, facing Max Holloway in an emotional showdown at the Smoothie King Center. Despite his past victories against Holloway, Poirier was unable to secure a win this time. The fight ended with Holloway taking the BMF Championship title through a unanimous decision. Fans celebrated Poirier’s illustrious career, culminating in his retirement as he left his gloves in the octagon, marking a heartfelt farewell filled with tributes and a powerful atmosphere.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Dustin Poirier fought in the UFC octagon for the final time on Saturday night at UFC 318, headlining an emotional evening at the Smoothie King Center. Facing off against long-time rival Max Holloway, Poirier’s farewell bout resonated deeply with fans and marked the conclusion of an illustrious career in mixed martial arts.
Despite Poirier’s past successes against Holloway, having won both of their previous encounters in 2012 and 2019, the match carried heightened tension as Holloway entered the octagon as the favorite to win. The fight was not only pivotal for Poirier’s legacy but also contested for the BMF Championship title, adding to the stakes of the showdown.
Poirier’s departure from the sport was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans, who celebrated his contributions to the UFC. Before the fight, a tribute video showcasing key moments in Poirier’s career played, and the atmosphere was electric as he received a heartfelt farewell from the crowd. Following the match, Poirier symbolically left his gloves in the center of the octagon, marking his retirement from professional fighting. As Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable.
Fight Highlights
The matchup featured dynamic exchanges, with Holloway displaying aggressive striking throughout. The second round proved pivotal, as he knocked Poirier down twice, showcasing his striking prowess. However, Poirier demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering and remaining competitive despite the pressure from Holloway.
The bout extended over five rounds, with both fighters landing significant strikes and engaging in an intense back-and-forth battle. Ultimately, Holloway was awarded the victory by unanimous decision, sweeping the scorecards with a score of 50-45. This win not only reinforced Holloway’s standing in the lightweight division but also highlighted his capacity to evolve as a fighter.
UFC 318 Event Overview
UFC 318 featured a total of 14 fights, showcasing some remarkable performances throughout the night. Prominent fighters such as Paulo Costa and Daniel Rodriguez also left their marks on the card, with Costa defeating Roman Kopylov and Rodriguez securing a win against Kevin Holland. Michael Johnson achieved his third consecutive victory by besting Daniel Zellhuber, and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire earned his first UFC victory, defeating Dan Ige by unanimous decision.
A Storied Career Comes to an End
Poirier’s retirement signifies the conclusion of a remarkable journey in mixed martial arts, culminating in a professional record of 30 wins and 9 losses. Leading up to UFC 318, he had been contemplating retirement, making this match a poignant finale. Through his dedication and resilience, Poirier has left an indelible mark on the sport and was regarded as a role model among fans and aspiring athletes.
Max Holloway’s successful defense of the BMF title further solidifies his future in the UFC, positioning him favorably for potential title shots in the lightweight division. UFC 318 not only celebrated the athletes within the octagon but also highlighted the profound connections that develop within the sport, ensuring the legacy of fighters like Dustin Poirier will endure long after their last match.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dustin Poirier to Retire After Epic Match Against Max Holloway
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier Showdown Set for New Orleans
Dustin Poirier to Retire After Final Match Against Max Holloway
UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier Trilogy Highlights New Orleans Event
Additional Resources
- USA Today: UFC 318 Recap
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- CBS Sports: UFC 318 Live Updates
- Google Search: UFC 318
- ESPN: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 Results
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- Variety: How to Watch UFC 318 Online
- Google News: Dustin Poirier
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
