Max Holloway might never be the same after fighting UFC champion Ilia Topuria.
It’s not every day you see a UFC main event where both fighters are coming off of a loss. Dustin Poirier went 0-3 in undisputed title fights in his last appearance against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302.
Poirier nearly retired after losing by fifth-round submission but prolonged his retirement until this weekend, where he’ll be headlining UFC 318 across from BMF Champion Max Holloway in New Orleans, Louisiana—Poirier’s home state.
Winner of three out of his last four, Holloway suffered a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October.
This was Holloway’s first KO loss of his 30-fight UFC career, which former foe Alexander Volkanovski says will play a ‘big factor’ in his fight against Poirier.
Known for his boxing, the heavy-handed Poirier hopes that will be the case.
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Dustin Poirier wants to see if Ilia Topuria KO ‘really affected’ Max Holloway
At UFC 318 media day, Poirier was asked about Holloway’s chin after getting knocked out for the first time by Topuria.
Holloway’s durability held up in his lightweight rematch with Poirier at UFC 236, which he lost by decision, but that was years ago in 2019. The Fighting Hawaiian has been in several wars since then, such as a five-round war with former BMF Champion Justin Gaethje.
“With the durability talk, it’s tough to say,” Poirier said of Holloway.
“You know, a lot of things play into that.
“Genetics, lifestyle, all kinds of stuff…
“We’ll find out Saturday night if that shot really affected him. That’s my goal, is to find out. But I’m expecting another war,” Poirier added.
Dustin Poirier is in the best shape of his career at UFC 318
Unlike his last fight, Poirier had a full training camp for Max Holloway.
Poirier took his final title opportunity against Islam Makhachev on short notice at UFC 302, putting up quite the fight across five rounds.
Now, Poirier is set to ride into battle for the final time and ‘The Diamond’ is in stellar shape.
Poirier says he started dieting sooner than usual for his last fight camp, leaving no stone unturned.