Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, a passionate combat sports enthusiast, recently revealed his allegiance for the UFC 318 main event held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. The headline bout features Max Holloway defending his BMF title against Dustin Poirier, who is set to retire following the fight. Bichette expressed his support for Holloway during an interview with Sportsnet.
“Obviously two great fighters, but I’m rooting for Max,”
Bichette said.
“I would love to see Max win. So, hopefully Max gets another shot, maybe at ‘[Ilia] Topuria or something like that. So, I’m rooting for Max.”
Beyond Bichette’s personal choice, the Toronto Blue Jays organization also endorses Holloway, having presented him with a team jersey bearing the number 10. Holloway first made his mark in Toronto by winning the interim featherweight title against Anthony Pettis at UFC 206 in December 2016.
Max Holloway’s Ties to Toronto and Hawaiian Heritage
After capturing the interim featherweight championship in Toronto, Holloway dubbed the city the “10th island,” paying tribute to the large Hawaiian community residing there. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Holloway has maintained strong cultural connections to his home state throughout his career.
Despite Holloway’s association with Toronto and Hawaii, the UFC 318 event is primarily focused on commemorating Dustin Poirier’s retirement, as it takes place in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The UFC chose this location for the event to honor Poirier’s legacy, marking its return to Louisiana after more than a decade. The fight serves as a significant farewell for “The Diamond.”
History Between Poirier and Holloway Adds Depth to UFC 318
This scheduled match marks the third meeting between Poirier and Holloway. Poirier currently holds a 2-0 record against Holloway, having defeated him via submission in his UFC debut at UFC 143, and again by decision at UFC 236 to become the interim lightweight champion. This rivalry adds anticipation to the fight, as Poirier looks to end his career on a high note, while Holloway aims to claim a crucial victory.
Should Holloway win, it might open the door for a future lightweight title challenge against Ilia Topuria. Holloway and Topuria previously faced off in a featherweight title fight at UFC 308, where Holloway suffered a loss, intensifying the stakes for this potential opportunity.
Bichette Imagines an Ultimate Fighter Combining Blue Jays’ Strengths
While UFC 318 coincides with the Blue Jays’ series finale against the San Francisco Giants at the Rogers Centre, limiting Bichette’s ability to watch live, he remains invested in the outcome as a dedicated fan. In a recent Sportsnet interview, Bichette creatively assembled an ideal MMA fighter by combining specific attributes from his Blue Jays teammates.
He selected reliever Yimi Garcia, known for his power, utility player Ernie Clement for speed, and credited himself with fight IQ. Outfielder Daulton Varsho was named for grappling skills, while veteran pitcher Max Scherzer was recognized for durability. This imaginative fusion highlights Bichette’s enthusiasm for mixed martial arts alongside his baseball career.
Bo Bichette’s Ongoing Passion for MMA Reflected in Recent Appearances
Bichette’s appreciation for UFC events has been consistent, with his last live attendance occurring in December at the Amalie Arena in Tampa. Alongside MLB stars such as Aaron Judge and Pete Alonso, he witnessed the fight night headlined by Colby Covington and Joaquin Buckley. During that event, Bichette astonished fans with a striking new haircut, replacing his signature long hair with a sharp, short style.