Legacy-Defining Fireworks: Holloway vs Poirier III - A Trilogy Forged in UFC History
Dustin Poirier's final career bout collides with Max Holloway's BMF title defense in UFC's longest-running trilogy, featuring record-breaking stats and career-defining stakes.
Career-Defining Stakes at UFC 318
Two modern MMA icons prepare to write their final chapter as Max Holloway (25-7) defends his symbolic BMF championship against retiring Louisiana legend Dustin Poirier (30-8) in Saturday's historic main event. This trilogy conclusion spans:
- 13-year rivalry: Longest three-fight span in UFC history
- 359 significant strikes landed in 2019 thriller (lightweight record)
- 45 combined UFC victories between the warriors
Statistical Dominance
| Category | Holloway | Poirier |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Wins | 22 (T-3rd all-time) | 22 (T-3rd all-time) |
| Significant Strikes | 3,457 (All-time #1) | 1,752 (#8 all-time) |
| Knockdowns Landed | 18 (Featherweight #1) | 10 (Lightweight T-4) |
Trilogy Timeline
- 2012 UFC 143: Poirier submits rising prospect Holloway via first-round armbar
- 2019 UFC 236: 'Diamond' outpoints champion Holloway in FOTN lightweight classic
- 2025 UFC 318: Career bookend with BMF title and legacy implications
Fight Night X-Factors
- 🏟️ Home Crowd Advantage: New Orleans native Poirier's first UFC main event in Louisiana
- ⚔️ Striking Mastery: Combined 5,209 significant strikes landed in UFC careers
- 🏆 BMF Implications: Holloway seeks first defense; Poirier aims for late-career accolade
Expert Predictions
"This trilogy represents MMA's essence - evolving skills and unbreakable spirit. Poirier's boxing precision vs Holloway's volume striking will create fireworks." - Daniel Cormier, UFC Hall of Famer
Career Crossroads
- Holloway eyes lightweight permanence after featherweight dominance
- Poirier seeks storybook ending to 18-year career (29 UFC post-fight bonuses)
With both fighters holding 19 combined Fight of Night awards, UFC 318's main event promises to crown the ultimate action fighter while settling one of MMA's most enduring rivalries.
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