The mixed martial arts world converges on New Orleans for UFC 318, featuring a main event that pits two modern legends against each other for a third time: Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway. This highly anticipated trilogy bout, competing for the symbolic “BMF” title, carries unique weight, particularly for Louisiana`s own Dustin Poirier, fighting in his hometown in what is expected to be his final professional contest. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping recently offered his perspective on this pivotal matchup, highlighting how the dynamics have dramatically shifted since their previous encounters.
Poirier holds a 2-0 record against Holloway, securing a submission win early in their careers back in 2012, followed by a dominant decision victory for the interim lightweight title in 2019. However, Bisping notes that the years have not been equally kind. While Poirier was arguably the physically stronger, more experienced fighter in their second meeting, time and the rigors of the sport have taken their toll.
“They`ve fought twice. Dustin Poirier won both of those fights,” Bisping stated on his YouTube channel. “The older guy, more experienced, just a little bit stronger, a little bit bigger [in 2019]. But all those advantages that he had are now turning into disadvantages. There`s more miles on the clock, he is a little bit older, the wear and tear starts to add up, and, of course, so do the losses.”
These cumulative factors, according to Bisping, can create “little chinks in the armor,” potentially eroding a fighter`s sense of invincibility. Poirier himself has been candid about his motivation, suggesting that a primary driver for retirement is the recognition that a traditional UFC title shot may no longer be within reach. This raises questions about his psychological state entering a fight of this magnitude.
Adding another layer of complexity for Poirier is the setting. Fighting in New Orleans, a city the UFC is visiting specifically for him, presents a double-edged sword. It`s the potential “fairy tale farewell” to a stellar career, a moment to be etched in history alongside the cheering of friends and family. Yet, as Bisping knows from personal experience fighting in his native England, the pressure and anxiety of performing as the hometown hero can be immense.
Max Holloway, meanwhile, arrives in New Orleans with his own set of powerful motivations. Beyond seeking redemption for two prior losses to Poirier, Holloway is making a statement in the lightweight division. Having largely dominated the featherweight class before his trilogy losses to Alexander Volkanovski, a move up in weight and a win over a top contender like Poirier would immediately position him among the elite at 155 pounds.
“Max Holloway is coming into this one very motivated as well,” Bisping observed, underscoring Holloway`s desire to avoid a second trilogy loss after the Volkanovski series. For Holloway, this isn`t just about settling a score; it`s about reclaiming championship relevance, albeit in a new weight class.
Stylistically, the fight promises fireworks. Both men are renowned for their striking prowess and iron wills, rarely taking a backward step. Bisping anticipates a stand-up war, devoid of significant grappling exchanges, a recipe for what he believes will be “absolutely sensational” viewing.
However, a recent event casts a shadow of uncertainty over Holloway: his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. While it could indicate a potential vulnerability, a “weakened chin” as Bisping cautiously notes, it could also serve as powerful motivation – lighting a fire to prove he is still at his peak.
Ultimately, predicting the outcome remains a formidable task. “Listen, never doubt Dustin Poirier, but never doubt Max Holloway,” Bisping concludes. The retirement narrative, the hometown pressure, Poirier`s accumulated wear, Holloway`s motivation, and the lingering question marks from recent performances converge to create a truly unpredictable scenario. Regardless of who prevails, UFC 318`s main event is set to be a dramatic and potentially defining moment for both fighters, a testament to their careers and their warrior spirit.
Jasper Hawthorne