Holloway and Poirier deliver classic in trilogy finale

Martial arts stories are often full of drama, sweat, sadness, joy and respect. It was the same in the main fight of UFC 318 evening, when Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier met for the third time. This trilogy began back in 2012 in Las Vegas, then continued in Atlanta seven years later, and the final act was played in a packed hall in New Orleans.

Unlike the previous two encounters, which were won by the 35-year-old fighter from Louisiana, the final episode went to the great fighter from Hawaii. In a match full of tempo, emotions and changes, Holloway won by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) and thus retained his symbolic BMF title.

A fight to remember

The beginning of the fight was cautious on both sides. Dustin started more seriously first, but misses a strong direct. Max retaliates with kicks, but without much effect. The first serious moment comes when the 33-year-old Hawaiian lands a right hook to his opponent's chin and knocks him down. Although he was shaken, the experienced fighter from Louisiana quickly recovers and continues as if nothing happened.

In the second round, the energetic Max hits combinations to the head and body, and later shakes Dustin and even knocks him down. However, as the fight goes on, Poirier responds with powerful hooks and ground and pound attacks that show that he is not ready to stop either.

The third and fourth rounds were a real war zone – punches flew from both sides. Holloway looked faster, but "Diamond" knew when to fight back. At the end of the fourth section, we saw a real blow-for-blow showdown.

In the fifth round, a martial romance ensued. Max hits, Dustin returns, moves, dodges, all in the spirit of MMA. At the very end, ten seconds before the end, the audience got what they wanted – an open exchange in the middle of the octagon. “Blessed” pointed to the floor, “Diamond” accepted, and an explosion of punches followed.

After the final gong, emotions flooded the hall. A hug followed, and then what many expected – gloves on the floor.

“I have nothing but respect for Max, he’s one of the good guys,” said an emotional Poirier. - “This has been an incredible week, I’ve felt the love of the fans and Louisiana. I didn’t know I had touched so many people following my people. This is beautiful.”

After a video dedicated to his career was shown, the former interim champion added through tears:

“This has been an amazing experience, I want to thank Dana White, the UFC and my family. MMA has taught me everything I know and I’m happy to have been able to walk this path.”

With the song “My Way” playing in the background, one of the most beloved fighters said a quiet goodbye. The night in New Orleans will remain etched in the hearts of fans for a long time.