“My understanding is that Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are going to fight. At least that’s what I’m hearing.” This statement came from veteran 155fer Beneil Dariush, who reportedly leaked the UFC’s mysterious 2025 fight calendar to Submission Radio. Moreover, ‘Benny’ in turn also revealed the hidden details of former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier’s “last dance.” For the unversed, the Louisiana native last fought at UFC 302 against division juggernaut Islam Makhachev in a fight-of-the-year contender. Since then, Poirier has stayed resolute in his plan to fight just once more. This has been laced with a condition to take place in his hometown of New Orleans, likely in the summer, either July or August.
Through tweets like “Uno Mas” and “Trilogy,” the Louisiana native has fueled speculation around his return, initially hinting at a potential matchup with Justin Gaethje, while vehemently opposing rising opponents, including verbose 155fer Paddy Pimblett. However, many have overlooked former featherweight champion Max Holloway who ‘The Diamond’ has faced twice before. Recently, former UFC lightweight Josh Thomson weighed in on the possible Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 matchup during an appearance on the YouTube podcast ‘Weighing In’ with co-host ‘Big’ John McCarthy.
Thomson believes that a trilogy would be a “good fight.” Reflecting on their past battles, Thomson said, “So, I mean, if you’re looking for a fight to give it like a last hurrah farewell, you know they’re going to stand, they’re going to trade. Dustin doesn’t have to worry about him trying to hit submissions and take him down. Like, it’s gonna be a knockdown, drag-out. I think the main thing to take away from this though, John, is the UFC is doing him a solid,” said Josh Thomson.
MMA: UFC 236- Holloway vs Poirier, Apr 13, 2019, Atlanta, GA, USA Editors Note: Graphic Content Max Holloway red gloves fights Dustin Poirier blue gloves during UFC 236 at State Farm Arena. Poirier won by unanimous decision. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports, 14.04.2019 00:55:19, 12531765, State Farm Arena, Dustin Poirier, MMA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxDavidxMercerx 12531765
Max Holloway, who had been bouncing between the 145 and 155-pound divisions, decided to fully commit to lightweight after feeling the full force of featherweight champion Ilia Topuria in a knockout loss at UFC 308. ‘Blessed’ then declared, “155, here we come, 155 is where I want to stay.” Moreover, the former 145lbs champ recently showcased perhaps the most impressive performance of his career when he knocked out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. This speculated event would also mark the UFC’s first visit to Louisiana since 2015.
For the uninitiated, Holloway and Dustin Poirier have faced off twice before. Their encounter was at UFC 143 over a decade ago, when ‘The Diamond’ submitted the Hawaiian with a triangle armbar. Their second meeting took place in 2019 at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title, where Poirier won after a five-round war. Now, with rumors swirling about a Poirier vs. Max Holloway trilogy, fans are left wondering why the Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje fight didn’t materialize. Let’s hear ‘The Highlight’s take on the situation.
Why did Justin Gaethje say no to a trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier?
The potential trilogy between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier has been eagerly anticipated by fans. Moreover, many hoped it would come to fruition earlier this month at UFC 313. Following Dan Hooker’s hand injury, fans speculated that the Louisiana native would step in to fight the Arizonian. This was because the duo are currently tied at 1-1. A third fight seemed like the ideal way to settle the score. Poirier, hoping to fight in his hometown of New Orleans, further fueled the excitement.
However, Gaethje dashed those hopes when he announced, “Dustin understandably said no…” Dustin Poirier quickly responded, clarifying, “I never got the call; I didn’t say no,” emphasizing that no fight had been offered to him. ‘The Highlight’ later cleared up the misunderstanding. At the UFC 313 press conference last week, Gaethje was asked about the potential trilogy with ‘The Diamond’.
He responded, “No, I’ve stated many times that I don’t think either one of our families deserves that. We’re 1-1. I’m fine with it. If he’s fine with it, then no. I think we’re both contenders, but we should beat other people first. If I beat him, I don’t think either one of us would be considered a contender.”
MMA: UFC 291 – Poirier vs Gaethje Jul 29, 2023, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Dustin Poirier red gloves fights Justin Gaethje blue gloves during UFC 291 at Delta Center. Salt Lake City Delta Center Utah USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJeffxSwingerx 20230729_szo_si8_0355
The two first faced off at UFC on FOX 29, where Dustin Poirier secured a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje. Six years later, the Arizona native avenged the loss with a knockout of his own at UFC 291. What are your thoughts on the rumored Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3? Do you believe Holloway is the ideal opponent for Poirier to close out his career? Or should he face a different contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
The post “UFC’s Doing Him a Solid” – Dana White’s Plans for Rumored Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway Fight Gets Total Backing appeared first on EssentiallySports.