Max Holloway - Poirier's roadblock on farewell day

Max Holloway (left) defends the BMF belt after defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 on the morning of July 20.

On the morning of July 20, UFC 318 ended with an emotional battle. Dustin Poirier stepped into the cage for the last time in his glorious career, but Max Holloway - with the spirit of a warrior - was the one who left the ring with the BMF belt.

The unanimous decision win (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) not only cemented Holloway's position at the top of the lightweight division, but also ended a trilogy of fights with an opponent who had defeated him twice.

Emotional send-off in Louisiana Poirier's hometown Louisiana became the stage for a legendary send-off as Poirier, one of the most beloved fighters in MMA history, faced off against Holloway, a former featherweight champion who had twice lost to him.

Both men are Hall of Fame worthy, and the mutual respect between them was evident from the opening bell. Holloway came out swinging, knocking Poirier down in the first round and leaving many speculating that the fight would end early.

But “The Diamond” – as Poirier was nicknamed – never backed down. He turned the game around in the second round with a punch that stunned Holloway, then a sudden “jumping guillotine” – his signature choke move – that left the crowd breathless. Only the final bell saved Holloway from a tight situation.

Dustin Poirier (left) played with great effort on his retirement day.

In the third and fourth rounds, Holloway slowly regained control. His accurate striking, speed, and constant pressure put him in control. Poirier continued to look for a comeback, but he seemed to need a real finish to change the scoreboard.

In round five, Holloway invited Poirier into a “phone booth call” – a style that helped him defeat Justin Gaethje – but instead of a fiery knockout, the two delivered a spectacular exchange of blows, leaving behind the image of two legendary fighters fighting with all their might until the last second.

As the referee announced the victory for Holloway, the Octagonal lantern remained focused on Poirier. During the interview, Holloway interrupted Daniel Cormier to apologize to the Louisiana crowd for defeating “their hero,” then gave the microphone to Poirier. Seeing that the crowd wasn’t enthusiastic enough, Holloway turned back to urge everyone to cheer louder, causing the entire arena to explode in cheers.

“This past week has been absolutely overwhelming,” Poirier said, choking with emotion. “I’ve felt the love and appreciation. I’ve never looked back on my career this way, but now I feel like I’ve touched so many people’s hearts just by following my dream.”

Dustin Poirier ended his career with many emotions.

The UFC dedicated a tribute video to Poirier, which brought “The Diamond” to tears. He took off his gloves, walked out of the cage to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” and slowly hugged each friend, staff member, and fan — as if to remember every moment of his final day in the ring.

A chapter of history closes UFC 318, not only where Holloway retained the BMF title, but also a solemn farewell for Dustin Poirier - the people's fighter. Although his chapter has ended, the legacy that "The Diamond" left behind will forever shine like a diamond - immortal in the hearts of fans.

Source: https://znews.vn/max-holloway-ke-chan-loi-poirier-trong-ngay-gia-tu-post1570174.html