Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway will share a bond ‘ceaselessly’ after their trilogy fight at UFC 318.
Next weekend, on July 18th in Recent Orleans, the longest-standing trilogy in UFC history will come to a detailed. 13 years after they first fought at UFC 143, Holloway and Poirier collide once more, but this time, for the BMF title within the predominant event of UFC 318.
Poirier is 2-0 against Holloway up to now. ‘The Diamond’ spoiled Holloway’s UFC debut by submission and snapped his 13-fight win streak years later in an all-out war at UFC 236.
Holloway will look to take Poirier’s retirement fight and secure a title rematch with UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria, the primary and only person to knock him out in 30 UFC fights.
Despite wanting to take one another’s heads off, a UFC analyst says there is huge respect between Holloway and Poirier.
Din Thomas says Dustin Poirier was ‘so empathetic’ watching Max Holloway get stopped by Ilia Topuria
Former UFC fighter Din Thomas says he was on the printed desk with Poirier when Holloway got knocked out by Topuria at UFC 308, detailing his response.
“Watching Dustin watch Max Holloway fight was like watching a brother fight,” Thomas said on One On One with Laura Sanko.
“Just before the knockout, you possibly can hear Dustin go, move, move! No! No!”
“You may hear him and the fervour that he had for his brother on the market fighting, not doing too good.
“He was so empathetic toward Max in that moment…
“Few human beings will ever experience a bond just like the bond that these two may have,” Thomas continued.
“The incontrovertible fact that these guys have done a lot and shared a lot blood and sweat and people memories, they usually’re just so vulnerable in those moments.
“To share a moment like that with a man and to have those moments. It’s very difficult to explain and it’s something most humans won’t ever experience. The incontrovertible fact that Dustin has done this, with this guy, and this can be the third time… They’re gonna have a bond ceaselessly.”
Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are the one ranked lightweights fighting
With UFC 317 within the books, the BMF title fight between Holloway and Poirier is the one ranked fight at lightweight during this time.
Despite his previous KO win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, Holloway is behind him at #5 within the rankings. And behind Holloway is Poirier, who has two wins over him.
The remainder of the division is currently left with no fight. Ilia Topuria, who won the title at UFC 317 with a knockout of Charles Oliveira, will likely defend his title against Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, or Paddy Pimblett.
Poirier has stated up to now he won’t be prolonging his retirement for an additional title opportunity against Topuria.