Max Holloway aims to spoil Dustin Poirier‘s retirement fight at UFC 318, seeking a statement win to position himself for a future lightweight title shot.
Max Holloway isn’t heading to UFC 318 to let Dustin Poirier claim a final victory. Nope, not happening.
The former featherweight champ and current “BMF” titleholder is set to face Poirier for the third time. This showdown takes place at UFC’s July 19 event in Poirier’s hometown, New Orleans.
Poirier has beaten Holloway twice before, including a memorable decision win at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight belt. But Holloway thinks fans might not get the happy ending they expect.
“I have the chance to be his retirement fight,” Holloway shared on his YouTube channel. “He wants to ride off into the sunset… but I’m aiming to get my hand raised.”
Holloway faced a tough knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 last October. After that, he made a permanent move to lightweight. With Topuria and Charles Oliveira set to fight for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317, Holloway sees a potential shortcut to the winner.
“I’m still here,” Holloway said. “This is Dustin’s retirement fight, but his last fight was for a title. I’ve got title ambitions too, and history with both guys fighting for the belt soon.”
“If I make a statement win, who’s to say I can’t fight for the undisputed lightweight title by year’s end?”
“First up: Dustin Poirier. I’m not overlooking him. It’s his retirement fight, and he’s serious. People keep reminding me he’s 2-0 against me. But I’m going to show everyone why this fight matters.”
“I’m here to spoil his plans and get my hand raised. I’m still in the game, aiming for that undisputed title, so I’ve got to make a statement.”