Dustin Poirier is preparing for his highly anticipated trilogy bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318, competing for the BMF championship currently held by Holloway. Poirier’s dedicated grappling training for the Max Holloway fight has recently gained attention on social media, where fans have responded enthusiastically to his focused efforts.
Focused Grappling Workouts Highlight Poirier’s Preparation
In a training video shared on X/Twitter, Poirier can be seen concentrating on chokes and defensive grappling maneuvers. Although primarily known for his striking, Poirier holds a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and is sharpening his submission and ground defense skills to maximize his performance on fight night. This preparation reflects his intention to employ all aspects of mixed martial arts against Holloway.
Despite Poirier’s submission credentials, including a notable rear-naked choke victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 281, his ground game has often faced skepticism among fans. Many in the MMA community have debated whether the upcoming matchup will see significant grappling exchanges.
“I’m putting $1000, it’s not going to the ground at all”
— fan
Others lightheartedly commented on Poirier’s frequent, but often unsuccessful, attempts at the guillotine choke during fights.
“I just want him to jump a gilly for the win.”
— fan
“The gilly will be jumped” — fan
Some fans also referenced Poirier’s previous submission loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, suggesting he could improve his defense by learning specific techniques.
“Kid should learn the D’Arce [that] Islam showed him in their fight”
— fan
History Between Poirier and Holloway Adds Depth to the Trilogy
Poirier and Holloway have squared off twice prior, setting the stage for an intense third meeting. Their initial fight took place at featherweight during UFC 143, where Poirier secured a rare finish over Holloway with a triangle armbar submission. This early victory was one of the few times Holloway has been stopped inside the octagon.
Their second clash came seven years later at UFC 236 as they battled for the interim lightweight title. This encounter was more tightly contested, but Poirier’s damage output and control ultimately earned him a unanimous decision win over Holloway. The two fights showcase a competitive rivalry that makes their UFC 318 bout highly anticipated.
The Stakes and Future Implications for Poirier
This upcoming fight marks Poirier’s second attempt to claim the BMF title and represents his last chance to capture a non-interim UFC championship belt. His previous shot at the BMF title ended in a knockout loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291, leaving Poirier determined to adjust his approach and improve his weaknesses in grappling and striking. How he applies his recent grappling training against Holloway could be a deciding factor in the outcome of their trilogy showdown.