At UFC 318, Max Holloway delivered a dramatic performance by overcoming longtime rival Dustin Poirier in a high-stakes showdown held at the Smoothie King Center in Louisiana. Trailing 0-2 in their trilogy, Holloway not only defended his BMF title but also denied Poirier the chance to end his career with a hometown victory. This gritty encounter showcased Holloway’s determination to spoil Poirier’s farewell in front of an enthusiastic Louisiana crowd.
The intense atmosphere throughout the five-round fight kept the audience captivated, with Holloway bolstering his legacy by snapping what many called the BMF curse. Weeks later, he shared insights about the fight’s challenges and expressed respect for the passionate fans who filled the arena.
Holloway Praises Louisiana’s Crowd But Recalls Near-Costly Confusion
Known for electrifying venues wherever he fights, Max Holloway described the atmosphere at UFC 318 as nearly unmatched. During a recent YouTube discussion, Holloway ranked the Louisiana crowd’s energy just behind the roar he experienced in Rio and on par with Singapore’s fervor. His exact words captured the intensity:
The crowd in there—one thing about the Louisiana crowd—it was insane. There’s only one crowd that beat it, and there’s another crowd that matched that energy. The only crowd that beat that one was in Rio when I fought the king of Rio. I fought for the undisputed title against José Aldo. That crowd was just a little bit louder than the Louisiana crowd.
—Max Holloway
Despite the crowd’s power to fuel the fight, Holloway also revealed that their volume nearly caused him a costly mistake. At the end of the second round, the noise was so overwhelming that he failed to hear the horn signaling the round’s end and remained in his guard position several seconds too long. He described the situation:
Like, I swear, five to ten seconds late. Like bro, imagine Dustin hit my ass with something in that five or ten seconds. You know, that would’ve sucked.
—Max Holloway
Holloway’s Tough Fight Against A Resilient Opponent
Although Holloway pushed aggressively, seeking a finish, Poirier’s experience allowed him to evade serious damage throughout the bout. The relentless five-round combat tested both men’s endurance and skill. Holloway defended his BMF title, adding a significant chapter to his career and demonstrating why he remains one of the division’s most formidable fighters.
Max acknowledged the toughness of his adversary in reflecting on the match’s physical toll. He said:
That guy’s tough as nails. He lived up to his nickname, The Diamond. And talking about him being strong like a diamond—I mean, my right hand still hurt,
illustrating how challenging it was to land clean shots despite his persistent pressure. This toughness ultimately prevented a knockout despite Holloway’s efforts.
Injury Update Casts Doubt on Holloway’s Return Timeline
The intense battle left Holloway with a right-hand injury that may delay his return to the Octagon. Although Ilia Topuria and other contenders eagerly await a shot at the BMF title, Holloway’s recovery will likely stretch beyond 2025. He provided an update through his YouTube channel, sharing candid concerns about his ability to compete again this year.
Holloway stated plainly:
If you have hopes of me fighting before the end of the year it’s probably not gonna happen. I’m seeing a specialist some time this week and I already met with my doctor and now I’ve got to meet a specialist but things are not looking up for me fighting one more time this year.
—Max Holloway
He added further on the setback:
What’s next, I couldn’t tell you, this stupid injury has pushed things back,
while showing his injured right hand to his audience.
Future of the BMF Title and Lightweight Division After UFC 318
With Max Holloway likely sidelined until early next year, question marks remain over who will challenge for his BMF belt next. The lightweight division is crowded with eager fighters ready to step into the fray, intensifying anticipation among fans for the next major clash. Holloway’s victory at UFC 318 solidified his place in UFC history as a dominant force and highlighted the difficulty of toppling him, even for a veteran like Dustin Poirier.
As the Hawaiian recuperates, the sport watches closely to see which contender will rise in his absence and whether Holloway can return to his former dominance. His recent win, combined with his candid updates, sets the stage for an electric remainder of the year in the lightweight ranks and beyond.