For nearly two decades, Dustin Poirier has been fighting not just for victory in the octagon but for his very livelihood. However, this Saturday night marks a pivotal moment as he prepares to step away from the sport that has defined his life. With a remarkable record of 40 professional fights, Poirier is set to headline UFC 318 in his hometown of New Orleans, where the promotion is going above and beyond to give him the send-off he deserves.
In the main event of UFC 318, Dustin Poirier will face off against the BMF champion Max Holloway. Poirier holds a unique advantage, having bested Holloway in their previous encounters. Although Poirier contemplated retirement last year, he has now confirmed that this will be his final bout, making it an emotional and significant moment for both him and his fans.
Since making his amateur MMA debut in 2007 and transitioning to a professional career in 2009, Dustin Poirier has sacrificed much, including relocating from Louisiana to train in Florida. These personal sacrifices have been closely followed by fans who admire his dedication. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Poirier expressed his eagerness to break free from the "vice grip" that fighting has had on his life for almost twenty years.
“It’s more a way of life,” Poirier stated. “So when I lay the gloves down and I’m actually free from fighting, I don’t know. I’ve got to go through it to get there. I’ve been doing this since I was 17 years old; this is a way of life.” He elaborated on the daily routines that have consumed him, from morning runs to training sessions, emphasizing that he has spent more time in the fight game than out of it. “It’s going to be a hurdle when it’s all said and done and I’m really retired, but I’ll get through it,” he concluded.
On the opposing side of the cage, Max Holloway will aim to disrupt Poirier's farewell. As the reigning BMF champion, Holloway’s mission is to reverse the narrative of their trilogy, despite being down two fights to Poirier. The stakes are high for Holloway, who is eager to bounce back after a recent loss in his featherweight title bid against Ilia Topuria.
“If it’s a war he wants, it’s a war he’s going to get,” Holloway told MMA Junkie in anticipation of the fight. He has embraced the role of the villain in this encounter, acknowledging the excitement surrounding the event. “It’s going to be a bunch of knuckleheads in there. I wouldn’t want it any other way, especially with the BMF title on the line,” he added, highlighting the intensity of what’s to come.
UFC 318 promises to be a memorable night for fight fans, featuring Dustin Poirier's last battle in front of his home crowd and Max Holloway's quest to reclaim glory. As the fighters prepare for this high-stakes showdown, the anticipation builds for what could be a historic and emotional evening in New Orleans.
