Poirier leaves in style, Holloway remains the “baddest”

Dustin Poirier couldn’t have scripted a better farewell.“The Diamond” took off his gloves and left them in the center of the octagon, closing the curtain on a 16-year career in mixed martial arts.

Despite a unanimous decision win for Max Holloway (48-47, 49-46, 49-46), who finally earned his first victory in their trilogy and retained the BMF belt – a symbolic title for the UFC’s “baddest” fighter – UFC 318 was still a night to remember for the American, who said goodbye in tears, surrounded by a wave of affection from the crowd.

“Make more noise! This isn’t enough. This guy is the GOAT,” Holloway shouted to the audience after reclaiming the BMF belt. As expected, the two warriors did not disappoint – they delivered an all-out war. Poirier came out strong, claimed the center of the cage, and stalked his Hawaiian rival, who circled and chipped away with low kicks. A sharp right hand from Holloway caught Poirier flush, sending him crashing down to the canvas, clearly stunned. But somehow, against all odds, he clawed his way out of trouble.

Poirier danced in and out of range, trying to stay clear of Holloway’s fists, which kept coming from different angles. The first round was clearly Holloway’s. In the second, Poirier came out re-energized, but his momentum quickly faded. Max dominated the exchanges with lightning-quick hands, rocking Poirier once again with a right hand. Holloway poured on the pressure, forcing Poirier to hold on for dear life. On the ground, Holloway took his back and hunted for the finish, but Poirier scrambled into half guard. The tide turned again when Poirier fired back with two left hooks that sat the champion down. He nearly locked in a guillotine, but the horn saved Holloway.

The fight was pure madness, a nonstop exchange of blows. Poirier found his rhythm behind the jab, and Holloway still seemed slightly dazed. His boxing was crisp, but Holloway fired back with a flurry of straight lefts and rights, forcing Poirier to retreat. Both landed clean shots – it was anyone’s fight. Poirier began to mount a comeback and looked more composed early in the fourth, the round that proved to be the most evenly matched. The exchanges grew heavier, the momentum swung back and forth. Every punch counted. In the final seconds, Max pointed to the center of the octagon – and they went toe-to-toe, trading bombs in a dramatic finish to an epic showdown.

Poirier said goodbye exactly the way he wanted. “I expected a fight like this. It was tough. He’s slippery, fast… one of the best out there,” he said. “It’s been overwhelming. I’ve felt so appreciated. I always chased the toughest fights. This week I’ve felt the love from the fans, from Louisiana, from the company. It’s been incredible. I’m just a kid living his dream, throwing punches and knees.”

After watching a tribute video featuring UFC champions, and with a record of 31 fights, a stint as interim lightweight champion, and a resume stacked with elite opponents, Poirier left his gloves on the mat, tears in his eyes. The farewell of a legend beloved across the MMA world.

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