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Holloway Spoils Poirier’s Farewell

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jul 20, 2025 9:29 AM ET

Max Holloway defended his BMF Title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, with a unanimous decision win, as you can follow how the fight played out.

Holloway earned the BMF belt in spectacular fashion at UFC 300, delivering a stunning knockout of Justin Gaethje in the final second of the fifth round. Though he fell short in his subsequent featherweight title challenge against Ilia Topuria, the BMF strap remained in his possession.

This was Poirier’s final chapter of a solid career. After suffering a submission defeat to Islam Makhachev in his most recent bout, “The Diamond” vowed he had one fight left — and chose a familiar rival. Poirier holds two wins over Holloway, including a 2019 decision for the interim lightweight title. Now, they meet again with legacy on the line. However, Dustin could not end with a win. Here is how the fight played out.

Updates

Holloway vs. Poirier Round 1:

Poirier opens with long lefts ➕ nasty inside leg kick
Holloway fires back — body kick lands

Then BOOM! Right hand drops Poirier! Max SWARMS!
They’re back up! Holloway fires a high kick — blocked ️
Poirier regains composure ,…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025

Holloway vs. Poirier Round 2:
Max goes body hunting early
But Poirier cracks him with a clean overhand right ➕ left down the pipe

They clinch — Poirier lands a knee!
Holloway counters with a right… then a LEFT!
3-punch combo rocks Poirier! Max POUNCES!…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025

Holloway vs. Poirier Round 3:

Poirier chops inside with a leg kick
But rushes right into a looping right from Holloway!
Max starts attacking the legs now — but eats a jab for it
Stinging straight right lands for Poirier ➕ goes to the body

Then eats a spinning…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025

Holloway vs. Poirier Round 4:

Holloway opens with a heavy right hook to the body, then zaps a right straight
Double jab + right straight lands clean — Max is COOKIN’
Poirier’s hunting for that fight-changing bomb
But Max is moving beautifully, staying light &…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025

Holloway vs. Poirier Round 5:

Poirier sneaks a knee up the middle
Max stays BUSY — left hook + right down the pipe
Dustin charges, whiffs on bombs, but jabs land
Holloway never stops — body work, then lasers that left to the cheek

Poirier lands a sweet…
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025

Official Result:
Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via Unanimous Decision
48-47, 49-46, 49-46
What. A. Fight.
Holloway closed the show with style, volume, and precision.
A masterclass in pressure, body work, and that legendary Hawaiian heart

Dustin Poirier leaves… https://t.co/RhLSunVeOb
— BoxingNews.com (@BoxingNews) July 20, 2025