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Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 in the Works Could Be a War
© John David Mercer

Two legends are set to meet for the third time in what could be their final showdown, a retirement fight for one, marking the end of a remarkable career. With the fight currently in the works, both competitors look to close this chapter on their own terms. Both have built legendary careers defined by resilience, unforgettable battles, and championship pedigree. This fight is about adding another notch in a legendary career, a final opportunity to step away from the sport with one last defining moment. One has secured two victories, but the other is determined to change the narrative and claim a long-awaited win. 

According to Standemup on Instagram: "My sources tell me that the plan currently is for this trilogy fight to happen. It makes sense, as there aren't many other 'legend' matchups that fit, except maybe Oliveira. But with the BMF title on the line, this fight is the clear choice. Ilia is also an option, but he seems more focused on getting a shot at the champion rather than taking on another contender at lightweight. Not official yet, but it’s in the works. And with these two? Yeah, it’s happening." 

But both fighters step into this trilogy fight coming off setbacks. One is looking to rebound from a submission loss in round five to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, a grueling battle that saw him come up just short of gold. The other is looking to shake off the sting of a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308. Legacy is on the line—one is looking for a final, storybook ending, the other is out to reclaim his place at the top. When the cage door closes, expect nothing less than another unforgettable war. 

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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