UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall recently faced the challenge of completing a demanding British Army fitness test, putting his physical endurance to the ultimate trial. At the same time, Dustin Poirier is preparing for his final UFC fight, revealing his detailed strategy ahead of UFC 318 in New Orleans where he will face Max Holloway.
Dustin Poirier Shares His Plan for UFC 318 Bout with Max Holloway
Dustin Poirier has been meticulously preparing for his farewell UFC fight against Max Holloway, scheduled for July 19 in his hometown of New Orleans. Competing for the BMF title, Poirier aims to conclude his career on a high note by focusing on precise timing, effective damage, and maintaining control throughout the fight.
In a recent UFC 318 Countdown episode, Poirier explained his approach to overcoming Holloway’s skill by gaining the upper hand early. He expressed confidence in his plan:
“In my mind, I get his timing early. Beat him to the punch, beat him with shots that hurt him. Make him miss, make him pay by being better that night. He’s a great fighter, but July 19, I’m better!”
— Dustin Poirier, UFC Fighter
Tom Aspinall Endures British Army Training with Military Guidance
Tom Aspinall ventured outside the octagon to take on a full British Army fitness test under the supervision of military coach Farren Morgan. The heavyweight champion confronted a series of physical challenges including carry drills, sandbag lifts, and endurance tasks, all of which were shared with fans via his YouTube channel.
Despite moments where he appeared fatigued, Aspinall’s determination earned admiration from followers on Instagram. Many likened his effort to that of an elite SAS soldier, praising his willingness to push beyond his usual limits and embrace a rigorous and unfamiliar fitness routine.
Max Holloway Offers Perspective on Ilia Topuria’s Knockout Record
Ilia Topuria has made headlines by knocking out top fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira in quick succession, creating a buzz around his rising star within the UFC. However, Max Holloway remains cautious about the hype surrounding Topuria’s knockout streak.
Speaking in a SHAK MMA interview, Holloway acknowledged Topuria’s talent but suggested that the context behind some of the wins is often overlooked. He noted that Volkanovski was recovering from a recent knockout loss and Oliveira was coming off a single victory at the time of their encounters.
“I mean, for sure, you know, you can’t sleep on it, you know, but it’s just tough, right? He has the names, right? He beat the names, and you can’t deny that. …When you look at that Volk fight, you know, with Volk coming off [the KO loss to Makhachev] of what he did, that’s kind of crazy. But people just look at the name, they’re not looking at the record.”
— Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
“And then me, and then Charles did what he did. But Charles was only on a one-fight win streak, you know. So, at the end of the day, it’s just moments, you know, and it’s just names. It is one of the greatest names, for sure, that he beat in history. But the man is doing what he’s supposed to do, you know. UFC are lining people up for him, and he’s just knocking them down, you know. So fair play to him. He’s going out there doing his job.”
— Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Holloway’s measured response highlights his view that while Topuria’s accomplishments are significant, the broader circumstances surrounding each fight must be considered to fully assess his place among the sport’s elite.
The Importance of These Developments in the UFC Landscape
Tom Aspinall’s completion of the British Army fitness test underscores his commitment to improving his physical strength and endurance beyond conventional MMA training, potentially adding a new edge to his performance as UFC heavyweight champion. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier’s strategic focus ahead of UFC 318 exemplifies the intense preparation fighters undertake for critical career moments, especially when competing for prestigious titles in front of their home crowd.
Max Holloway’s reflections on Ilia Topuria’s knockout streak offer a nuanced perspective within ongoing discussions about rising talent in the UFC. His comments suggest that current rankings and reputations should be weighed alongside detailed context, influencing how fans and analysts evaluate emerging fighters.
As UFC 318 approaches, the performances and comments of key fighters like Poirier, Aspinall, and Holloway will shape expectations and narratives in the MMA world, impacting future matchups and the evolving status of champions and contenders.