UFC 318 Results: Dustin Poirier Loses Final Bout to Max Holloway, Bids Emotional Farewell in New Orleans
Dustin Poirier’s incredible UFC journey came to a heartfelt close at UFC 318, as the Louisiana native fell short in a hard-fought battle against Max Holloway, losing via unanimous decision. Despite the defeat, Poirier received a hero’s send-off in front of a roaring crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, making it one of the most memorable retirements in UFC history.
Max Holloway Claims Revenge and Retains BMF Title
In a high-octane five-round war, Max Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) emerged victorious over Dustin Poirier (30-10 MMA, 22-9 UFC) with scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. The win not only allowed Holloway to retain his BMF title but also avenged two previous losses to Poirier.
Early in the fight, Holloway landed a sharp right hand that dropped Poirier and silenced the electrified crowd. However, the second round saw “The Diamond” retaliate with a knockdown of his own and nearly secured a guillotine choke, showcasing the heart and grit that defined his career.
The final rounds were evenly contested with both fighters exchanging heavy shots. In the dying seconds, Poirier accepted Holloway’s invite to “stand and bang,” bringing fans to their feet. While Holloway edged out the exchange, Poirier’s resilience and fighting spirit were on full display.
Dustin Poirier’s Legendary Career Ends on His Terms
At 36 years old, Dustin Poirier retires as one of the UFC’s most beloved and violent warriors. A former interim lightweight champion, Poirier’s resume is stacked with legendary wars against the likes of Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dan Hooker. His contribution to the sport transcends the octagon, as his charitable foundation, The Good Fight Foundation, earned him the inaugural Forrest Griffin Community Award.
“I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company,” Poirier said post-fight, visibly emotional. “I didn’t know I’d touch as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams.”
The tribute video and raucous crowd reaction cemented Poirier’s legacy as not just a fighter—but a symbol of perseverance and humility.
Full UFC 318 Results
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Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
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Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Patricio Freire def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Vinicius Oliveira def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
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Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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Nikolay Veretennikov def. Francisco Prado via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:10
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Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt via KO (punches) – Round 1, 4:06
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Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 4:42
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Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski via submission (guillotine) – Round 1, 2:47
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Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:35
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Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari via TKO (knee, punches) – Round 3, 1:30
What’s Next for Max Holloway?
With the BMF title still around his waist and redemption against Poirier now complete, Max Holloway moves to 4-1 in his last five fights, rebounding strongly after a KO loss to Ilia Topuria. His elite striking and stamina continue to make him a must-watch in any weight division he competes in.
Final Word
UFC 318 was more than just another fight night—it was the end of a storied chapter in MMA history. Dustin Poirier’s farewell was heartfelt, heroic, and utterly unforgettable. While Max Holloway got the win, both fighters left the cage with respect, admiration, and legacies firmly intact.
