BMF champion Max Holloway anticipates a potentially chaotic final ten seconds in his upcoming fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318.
This Saturday at UFC 318, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier are set for their highly anticipated third career encounter. The bout is expected to be Poirier`s farewell fight, as the Louisiana native plans to retire afterwards in front of his home crowd in New Orleans.
Holloway and Poirier maintain a respectful but competitive dynamic leading up to their trilogy bout at UFC 318. While Holloway expressed good wishes for Poirier`s retirement, he made it clear he intends to win the fight and not facilitate a winning exit for his opponent.
Holloway Eyes Potential Last-Second Brawl with Poirier at UFC 318
Holloway`s BMF title is at stake again at UFC 318, presenting Poirier with another opportunity to claim the popular `BMF` belt. Poirier previously contested the vacant title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 but suffered a head-kick knockout loss.
Following Gaethje`s victory over Poirier, Holloway became the next challenger for the BMF title, securing a spectacular last-second knockout win over Gaethje at UFC 300. That finish is widely considered one of the most memorable knockouts in UFC history.
Holloway`s knockout against Gaethje was notably preceded by his `point down` gesture, seemingly inviting a chaotic final exchange. Holloway suggested he might attempt to replicate this historic moment if his fight against Poirier at UFC 318 reaches the final seconds.
In a recent discussion, Holloway was asked about the possibility of another dramatic, last-second finish occurring in his third fight against Poirier at UFC 318.
Holloway expressed certainty that Poirier would engage, stating, “I’m 100 percent sure he would.”
He elaborated, envisioning the scenario: “Last dance. Last 10 seconds. Point down to the ground. He might even do it. I’m 100 percent sure he’s going to bring it.
Holloway continued, expressing enthusiasm for a potential brawl: “Hearing those words excites me. If it’s a war he wants, it’s a war he’s going to get. It’s going to be a bunch of knuckleheads in there. I wouldn’t want it any other way, especially with the BMF title on the line.”
This wouldn`t be the first time Holloway has instigated a wild final exchange; he did so previously against Ricardo Lamas during his featherweight ascent, and more recently against Justin Gaethje.
Both Holloway and Poirier are known for their willingness to engage in chaotic fights. Poirier, in particular, holds ten `Fight of the Night` bonuses, with his most recent coming against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
Potential Rematch with Justin Gaethje on the Horizon for Holloway Post-UFC 318
Should Holloway emerge victorious at UFC 318, he could position himself for a shot at the UFC lightweight championship. The current titleholder is Ilia Topuria, a former opponent of Holloway`s, who claimed the belt at UFC 317 just last month.
Holloway recently commented on Topuria`s impressive three-fight knockout streak, which includes victories over Alexander Volkanovski, Charles Oliveira, and himself. Holloway`s loss to Topuria occurred at UFC 308, after which he confirmed his full-time transition to the lightweight division.
A rematch against Justin Gaethje is another possibility for Holloway, assuming Gaethje does not retire following his recent ultimatum to the UFC brass. Gaethje has not competed since his fight at UFC 313 where he defeated Rafael Fiziev. (Note: The original text contained a factual error regarding Gaethje`s last opponent and event, which is preserved in this translation).
