Max Holloway - Poirier's roadblock on farewell day

Max Holloway (left) defended the BMF belt after his victory over 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 place at the top of the lightweight division, but also ended a trilogy of fights with a man who had defeated him twice.

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

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 about a quick finish.

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 difficult situation.

Dustin Poirier (left) fought 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 it looked like he needed a real finish to change the scorecard.

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 boxers fighting with all their might until the last second.

When the referee announced the victory for Holloway, the octagon lantern was still 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 was not enthusiastic enough, Holloway turned back to urge everyone to cheer louder, causing the entire arena to explode with cheers.

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

Dustin Poirier ended his career with many emotions.

The UFC dedicated a video tribute 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 he wanted to remember every moment of his last day in the ring.

A chapter of history closes UFC 318, not only where Holloway retains the BMF title, but also a solemn farewell for Dustin Poirier - the people's fighter. Although his chapter of history 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