The upcoming UFC 318 event is anchored by a main event carrying significant weight, featuring a clash between two of the sport`s most respected and durable athletes. Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are set to meet inside the octagon once more, this time with the symbolic BMF title on the line.
This isn`t their first dance. The pair initially battled at UFC 236 in 2019 for the interim lightweight championship. In a gritty five-round war, Poirier emerged victorious via unanimous decision, handing Holloway, then the reigning featherweight king, a tough loss in his venture up a weight class. The first encounter was a technical yet brutal display of striking volume and sheer willpower, setting a high bar for any potential rematch.
Now, years later, they are slated to run it back at lightweight in New Orleans, Louisiana – a location that holds particular significance for Poirier, being near his home state. Adding another layer of intrigue is the context surrounding Dustin Poirier`s career. Recent discussions suggest this bout could potentially mark the final time “The Diamond” competes professionally. A fighter with a storied career marked by incredible highs and tough defeats, ending his journey against a familiar, elite opponent in his regional backyard for a unique piece of hardware presents a compelling narrative.
For Max Holloway, fresh off arguably the greatest knockout in UFC history against Justin Gaethje – the former holder of this very BMF belt – this fight represents an opportunity for redemption and to capture another significant title, albeit one created more for spectacle and fan engagement than divisional hierarchy. The “BMF” title, initially conceived for the Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz bout, represents a fighter`s perceived toughness, popularity, and willingness to engage in thrilling contests. Whether viewed as a legitimate championship or a novelty belt, it adds a specific flavor to the high-stakes matchup.
The technical matchup remains fascinating. Both men are known for their boxing prowess, durability, and relentless pressure. Poirier possesses knockout power in his hands and a solid ground game, while Holloway is renowned for his extraordinary striking volume, chin, and cardio. The first fight showed that even moving up in weight, Holloway could push Poirier to the limit, though Poirier`s power ultimately made the difference.
As UFC 318 approaches, the focus intensifies on this main event. It`s more than just a fight for a belt; it`s potentially the final chapter for a legend, a chance for an elite competitor to avenge a loss, and a high-stakes technical battle between two fan favorites known for leaving it all in the octagon. The BMF moniker, in this instance, seems fitting for a contest carrying such significant personal and professional implications for both fighters.
Jasper Hawthorne