Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Dustin Poirier highlights what Max Holloway must change for potential rematch with Ilia Topuria

Originally posted on HITC | By Christopher De Santiago | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 1:40 PM ET

Dustin Poirier believes a potential rematch between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway could go a bit differently this time around.

After his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, Max Holloway is in a good position according to UFC CEO Dana White, who commented on Holloway’s place in the lightweight division following the fight.

Ilia Topuria, who became the first fighter to knock out Holloway in 35 bouts, captured the title by finishing Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 back in June.

Their first meeting at featherweight was closely contested until Topuria’s knockout. And if there was any doubt about Holloway’s durability after moving up, going five rounds with Poirier should have put that to rest.

Still, Poirier thinks that taking on Topuria again won’t be an easy task for Holloway.

Dustin Poirier thinks Max Holloway needs a new plan for Ilia Topuria

After his retirement fight against Holloway, Poirier spoke to Mike Bohn and gave his thoughts on a potential rematch between Holloway and Topuria, this time at lightweight.

“I think Max would have to change up his approach to the fight,” Poirier said.

“Use his lateral footwork like he did with me, stay on the bike, use his length.”

However, Poirier didn’t hold back when discussing Topuria’s power: “But, man, if Ilia lands on anybody from 145 to 170, if he lands clean, I think he puts guys out.”

Poirier also noted that fighting at 155 might help Holloway absorb shots better than he could at featherweight.

“Maybe Max has a little bit more durability at 55. Coming in a little bit healthier, a little bit more hydrated on fight night. Maybe that could play a little bit into him taking, being able to absorb the shots, but we’ll see.”

Dustin Poirier became the second UFC fighter to drop Max Holloway, say UFC statistics

Holloway had never been dropped before 2023, but Topuria ended that run at UFC 308, stunning him with punches and finishing the fight with a left hook. This was the first recorded knockdown against Holloway, according to UFC statistics.

Poirier made history as the second fighter to officially achieve this by knocking Holloway down in the second round of their BMF title bout and immediately going for a guillotine choke.

There’s some debate about Justin Gaethje being the first to ever do it. ‘The Highlight’ floored Holloway with a punch in the fourth round of UFC 300, but it wasn’t recorded as an official knockdown by UFC stats, even though Holloway himself acknowledged it.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: