Dustin Poirier is set to compete in his final UFC bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318, determined to deliver a memorable farewell to the sport. The fighter is focused on his Dustin Poirier retirement fight preparation, aiming to finish his career on his own terms with a top-level performance.
In a recent interview on the Fitz Take Podcast, Poirier, aged 36, described the rigorous steps he has taken to ensure this last fight surpasses all others in quality and dedication. He emphasized that while he has always trained seriously, this time he is going above and beyond by starting his diet weeks before entering training camp and spending extensive time preparing in South Florida.
“[I] tried to do everything right, not that I didn’t before, I just tried to be extra [for this last one]. I started my diet a few weeks before I even left to come out for training camp, and I’ve been in South Florida for eight weeks now.”
—Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
Poirier stressed that his motivation for retirement is not due to a decline in skill or being forced out by the sport but a personal decision to leave while still feeling competitive. He wants his final fight to prove that he is ending on his own terms, not because he was pushed out.
“Just trying to get ahead of everything, trying to make the last one the best one, and show the world that I’m walking away from the sport, not because I feel I can’t compete with these guys or anything like that. I’m not getting squeezed out of the sport. I’m not letting the sport retire me. I want to leave on my terms.”
—Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
Poirier and Holloway have a history, with Poirier leading their head-to-head matchups 2-0. Their first fight occurred at UFC 143 in a featherweight bout where Poirier secured a first-round armbar submission, marking Holloway’s promotional debut defeat. More than seven years later, they met again at UFC 236 in a lightweight contest, with Poirier winning by unanimous decision.
Max Holloway Aims to Disrupt Poirier’s Farewell with a Major Victory
While Poirier plans to conclude his career with a final triumph at UFC 318, Max Holloway enters the fight with hopes of overturning that narrative. The 33-year-old contender believes a victory over Poirier could propel him toward a lightweight championship opportunity before the year ends.
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, Holloway expressed his desire to deny Poirier a perfect sendoff and to reassert his presence in the division by earning a statement win in Louisiana.
“I know he’s trying to ride off into the sunset… he can go and do that, but it might be a little sad because I want to go out there and get my hand raised. The message that I’m trying to send is that I’m still here… At the end of the day, I go out there, I do my thing, I make a statement, I get a statement win, who’s to say your boy is not fighting for [the lightweight] undisputed title at the end of the year?”
—Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Throughout his MMA career, Holloway has amassed a record of 26 wins and 8 losses, with notable victories over top fighters such as Justin Gaethje, Frankie Edgar, and Jose Aldo. His resume as a former featherweight champion gives weight to his claim of still being a formidable competitor.
Implications of the Showdown at UFC 318
The upcoming bout between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway carries significant emotional and competitive weight, highlighting Poirier’s intent to retire with pride and Holloway’s drive to use the fight as a stepping stone toward championship contention. Poirier’s meticulous preparation reflects his serious commitment to making the final appearance a defining moment, while Holloway’s ambition injects high tension into the matchup.
This fight not only marks the end of Poirier’s respected career but could also reshape the lightweight division by influencing Holloway’s path forward. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as UFC 318 unfolds in Louisiana, where the stage is set for a dramatic and decisive encounter.