Max Holloway could go 0-3 against two different UFC stars.
This weekend, the BMF Champion looks to avoid another three-peat to former rival Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Lafayette’s Poirier has defeated Holloway via submission and decision before, spoiling his UFC debut in 2012 and snapping his 13-fight win streak to touch interim lightweight gold in 2019.
Unsuccessful in his last trilogy against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway will try to get his revenge by taking Poirier’s retirement fight in front of his home crowd.
While there’s a lot riding on Poirier’s shoulders for his final walk to the Octagon, a UFC commentator suggests Holloway is under more pressure heading into their ‘bloodbath’.
Paul Felder explains the pressure Max Holloway has at UFC 318
Retired UFC lightweight and UFC 318 commentator Paul Felder expects Poirier and Holloway to leave it all on the line in New Orleans—especially Poirier, who plans on making his last one the best one.
“I do think it is gonna be a bloodbath,” Felder told Preston and Steve on 93.3 WMMR.
“I think both guys have made it clear that they plan on standing in the center of that Octagon and seeing who’s the best man.
“And to me, it’s actually more pressure on Max in particular for this one,” Felder said.
“Because Max plans on continuing his MMA journey and wants to be a champion again, whereas Dustin, I think for him, what’s most important is just laying it on the line and going for it.”
Former Poirier foe Eddie Alvarez pointed out retirement fights hardly ever go well and should Poirier lose, ‘The Diamond’ will still get his flowers for a stellar MMA career.
As for Holloway, the Fighting Hawaiian has a few more fights left in him. Holloway wants to rematch Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title after Topuria handed him the first KO loss of his career at UFC 308 last October.
A third loss to Poirier would set ‘Blessed’ back in the title picture at 155 lbs.
Paul Felder reacts to being commentator for UFC 318
Felder replaces Joe Rogan as a commentator for UFC 318.
Rogan is apparently on vacation, with the former fighter more than happy to take his spot in the broadcast booth cageside.
For Felder, calling Poirier vs. Holloway 3 hits home.
“This main event, when I got booked for this, I truly was—I mean, I’m always pumped to get a pay-per-view, obviously, but this one in particular, I was in this division,” Felder said.
“I’ve always been a massive fan of both of these gentlemen.
“I always wanted to fight Dustin when I was in my prime, and now I get to call his last fight…”
A full-circle moment for Paul Felder, who retired from fighting in 2020.