Max Holloway took advantage of his last chance to beat Dustin Poirier with a unanimous decision win over The Diamond at UFC 318 in his opponent's retirement fight in New Orleans on Saturday night.

As much as the UFC 318 crowd was pulling for the retiring Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway is still a certified "BMF."

Dustin Poirier lost his UFC retirement fight to Max Holloway in New Orleans. But the Lafayette native left the cage with pride and gratitude. "I’m a kid just living his dream out here. I’m chasing dreams still.

Dustin Poirier failed to win his retirement fight last night (Sat., July 19, 2025) at UFC 318 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, La., losing a gritty main event trilogy bout opposite “BMF” champion Max Holloway.

UFC 318 winner Max Holloway spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his BMF title defense over Dustin Poirier in New Orleans.

Defending his BMF belt for the first time. But who will “Blessed” be facing in New Orleans? Also Read: UFC Tonight – Get everything you need to know on UFC 318 Max Holloway next fight opponent options?

Prior to the Topuria loss, Holloway scored an iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje in his return to lightweight at UFC 300. This time, Holloway looked like a much more natural 155-pounder than he did when he lost to Poirier on short notice for the interim title at UFC 236.