Victory against Dustin Poirier, according to Max Holloway, could pave the path for a rematch with Ilya Topuria.
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, two of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history, are set to square off for a third time in a highly anticipated event at UFC 318 on July 20. This trilogy bout holds significant weight, as it marks Poirier's retirement fight.
Holloway, a five-time UFC champion and current holder of the "BMF" belt, has already secured a place in the UFC Hall of Fame. His style, characterised by relentless pressure, high volume striking, and exceptional cardio, has earned him a formidable reputation. However, Poirier has historically posed a challenge, having previously handed Holloway two losses.
The upcoming fight presents an opportunity for Holloway to avenge these past defeats and potentially reclaim his dominance in their rivalry. If Holloway emerges victorious, it could reignite calls for title shots in either the lightweight or featherweight divisions, where he remains an elite contender.
Should Holloway lose, it would mark a third defeat to Poirier, reinforcing Poirier's tactical advantage in this matchup. However, Holloway has expressed his determination to make things happen if he wants a big win.
The event marks Holloway's return to the lightweight division, a move he made following a defeat against Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title fight. Poirier, too, is set to retire after this fight, making it a significant moment in both their careers.
The outcome of this fight will have a significant impact on Holloway's future. A dominant win could propel him into the lightweight title picture, while a loss, particularly if clear-cut, might see him return to featherweight or consider his own legacy options.
In the event of a win, Holloway could look forward to big-name fights, possible title eliminators, or even "superfights." A loss, however, might necessitate a reassessment of his career, potentially leading to high-profile non-title bouts or a crossroads moment in his career.
Here's a summary of the possible paths for Holloway after UFC 318:
| UFC 318 Result | Likely Next Steps | Division Implications | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Win (Decisive) | Lightweight title shot, “superfight” opportunities | Strong case for 155lb contention[3] | | Win (Close) | Big-name fights, possible title eliminator | Maintains elite status | | Loss (Close/Competitive)| Featherweight return, legacy fights | Might refocus on 145lb belt[3] | | Loss (Clear) | Reassess career, high-profile non-title bouts | Possible crossroads moment |
Regardless of the outcome, Holloway remains a marquee name in the UFC with multiple options: chasing titles at lightweight or featherweight, headline "superfights," or continuing to build his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of his era. His next steps will depend on both the specifics of his performance at UFC 318 and the broader landscape of the divisions in which he competes.
Bookmakers may find it challenging to predict the outcome of Holloway's mixed-martial-arts fight against Poirier, given their history and the stakes involved in Poirier's retirement fight. Regardless of the result, this bout could potentially trigger high-profile matches for Holloway, including title eliminators, superfights, or fights against other notable figures in either the lightweight or featherweight divisions.
