Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier, a highly regarded American mixed martial artist, has officially announced his intention for his next fight to be his last.
Set for July 19th, “The Diamond” is scheduled to face former featherweight kingpin Max Holloway for the third time. The highly anticipated trilogy bout will headline UFC 318, taking place in New Orleans, USA. Poirier holds two prior victories over Holloway, securing wins in their previous encounters in 2012 and 2019.
“This will be my last fight. I’ll leave my gloves in Louisiana, where it all started for me. My entire story began there, and it is a great honor for me that the UFC and the state of Louisiana were on the same wavelength and helped make this happen. On July 19, we will fight Max Holloway. Five rounds, the main event of the evening, a fight at a numbered tournament for his BMF title,” Poirier stated regarding his decision and the upcoming matchup.
Notably, both fighters are returning to the octagon following recent setbacks in title opportunities. Dustin Poirier was submitted by reigning lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in June of last year, while Max Holloway suffered a knockout defeat against featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in October.
Tristan Blackwood