In a thrilling bout that showcased the heart and skill of both fighters, Max Holloway successfully spoiled Dustin Poirier's retirement plans. The two warriors battled intensely for five rounds, each displaying remarkable resilience and determination. Holloway nearly took control early in the fight, managing to drop Poirier in the first round, but the resilient "Diamond" fought back valiantly to keep the match competitive.
The fight kicked off with both fighters exchanging leg kicks, setting the tone for an action-packed encounter. Holloway quickly gained momentum, knocking Poirier down with a powerful cross. Despite the early setback, Poirier showcased his toughness by recovering quickly and retaliating with a solid combination. Holloway continued to apply pressure, executing a stunning jumping spin kick to the body. The round ended with Holloway taking the unofficial score at 10-9.
As Round 2 began, Holloway returned to targeting the body, looking to maintain his advantage. Poirier, however, found his rhythm and landed several effective jabs. In a dramatic turn, Poirier dropped Holloway and attempted a guillotine choke, showcasing his grappling skills. Despite the late surge from Poirier, Holloway's consistent output earned him another unofficial round score of 10-9, bringing the overall tally to 20-18 in his favor.
The momentum shifted in Round 3 as Poirier's confidence grew. Both fighters traded leg kicks and landed significant strikes, keeping the crowd on their feet. Holloway's impressive combinations forced Poirier against the fence, yet the "Diamond" retaliated with effective jabs and body punches. The round concluded with Holloway once again taking the unofficial score, now at 30-27 overall.
In Round 4, Holloway continued to overwhelm Poirier with his volume striking. He landed several hard body punches and combinations, while Poirier responded with powerful jabs and hooks. Although Poirier's punches seemed to carry more impact, Holloway's relentless output likely secured him the round, bringing the unofficial score to 40-36.
The final round saw Holloway start strong with a barrage of strikes. Both fighters engaged in a furious exchange, with Poirier landing a powerful hook that snapped Holloway's head back. As the clock wound down, Holloway invited Poirier to engage in a final flurry, resulting in a thrilling end to an already electrifying match. The unofficial score for the last round was 10-9 in favor of Holloway, culminating in a unanimous decision victory with a final score of 50-45.
In another notable fight on the card, Paulo Costa made his return to the win column after three years, decisively defeating Roman Kopylov. Costa demonstrated his fighting prowess by landing powerful counter punches and effective body kicks throughout the match. Despite facing a knockdown in Round 1 and being rocked in Round 2, Kopylov's corner remained optimistic. Costa's dominance was clear, resulting in a unanimous decision victory (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in his favor. Following the fight, Costa called out Khamzat Chimaev, indicating his desire for a future matchup.
This event not only highlighted the incredible talent in the sport but also left fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for both fighters. With Holloway's impressive performance and Costa's return, the future of mixed martial arts remains bright.
