After a five round war at UFC 318 that saw Max Holloway win on volume and damage, Dustin Poirier laid his gloves down in the octagon and retired.
It was a fitting final fight for Poirier — another all out battle, like many others we’ve seen from him. Most of the time (but not always), he came out victorious. This time he almost pulled off the win by dropping Holloway at the end of the second round, sending “Blessed” staggering back to his corner (watch all the highlights here). Holloway would show
he’d filled out fully as a lightweight for this third fight, though, dropping Poirier in the first and second and keeping the pressure on through the championship rounds.
The scorecards would read 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 for Holloway. But in the end, no one really lost after a fight that good. Speaking to Daniel Cormier in the cage after the decision was read, Dustin Poirier thanked the fans and UFC for making his retirement so special.
Paid in full #UFC318
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 20, 2025
Thank you for the amazing memories, Dustin Poirier! pic.twitter.com/fcL1IJftd2
“It’s been overwhelming, honestly,” he said. “I appreciate it, I feel seen. I’ve never gotten to step outside of fighting and look at it this way, I’ve always been going through, fighting, and trying to grind to the next thing, provide for me and my family. I’ve never gotten to look at it from third person. But this week has been incredible, man. I feel the love from the fans, Louisiana, and the company. It’s been incredible.”
“I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams. I’m forever grateful, man. I love you all. I’m a kid living his dream out here, man. Throwing punches, throwing knees. I’m chasing dreams still, it’s beautiful.”
The outpouring of love for “Diamond” continued following the fight in the Smoothie King Arena and online. Take a look at some of the messages of support coming from fighters like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Islam Makhachev, and more.
Fighter row pays their respects to Dustin Poirier ❤️ pic.twitter.com/elLNtjOOTj
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 20, 2025
Congratulations, Dustin. You’re truly one of the greatest to ever step into the cage. It was an honor and a privilege to share it with you pic.twitter.com/RQj3fa0yTq
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) July 20, 2025
Congratulations on an amazing career Dustin, thank you for the years of entertainment. Now go enjoy your retirement.
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 20, 2025
Congrats on an awesome career Dustin! It’s been great sharing this journey with you. Thanks for all the good times and everything you brought to the team. Enjoy retirement you’ve more than earned it @DustinPoirier #att
— Jorge Masvidal (@GamebredFighter) July 20, 2025
Conor Mcgregor reacts to Holloway vs. Poirier 3. pic.twitter.com/IyM7rKNwmU
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 20, 2025
First ballot Hall of fame!!! @DustinPoirier
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 20, 2025
It was an honor to share the octagon with you pic.twitter.com/iKtrJyXGDe
Paid in full Dustin is a legend amazing career
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 20, 2025
What a great fight!! Happy retirement @DustinPoirier #UFC318
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 20, 2025
Congrats on a great career @DustinPoirier #UFC318 pic.twitter.com/Kpechm8Fl0
— JOSH EMMETT (@JoshEmmettUFC) July 20, 2025
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