On UFC 318, Dustin Poirier will want to close his career with a victory over a colleague legend of the sport.
From Poirier's Dream Walk to the fight that takes place in Louisiana, the stage is perfect for 'The Diamond' on July 19.
That said, there have been some worries about Poirier's decision to announce his retirement on the way to Saturday evening and whether that will influence his motivation.
Max Holloway has a lot of respect for his opponent, but that will not stop him from playing the spoiler to get his own career back on track.
One of the stars of UFC 318 believes that their different career paths can play a crucial role in the Smoothie King Center.
Robert Valentin gives Max Holloway the skill and mental lead for UFC 318
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Robert Valentin watched his upcoming matchup on UFC 318 and the BMF title fight that will lead the map.
The former 'The Ultimate Fighter' participant believes that it is difficult to gauge how Dustin Poirier's mentality will be different on the way to July 19.
On the one hand, he has already come to terms with the hanging of the gloves, but on the other he wants to get up his hand again in front of his home fans.
What Valentin does know is that Max Holloway is not in this position and that he recently fails when he is challenging for the title of the featherweight, is 'blessed' to be released to return to the winning column.
“I think that for Max Holloway is still a possibility to make another title and go for a new sprint. So I think he's going to fight a different energy than Dustin Poirier.”
Valentin also broke where he believes that Holloway has the skill and technical benefits in the fight.
Although he has suffered two defeats for 'The Diamond' in the past, much has changed since the last time they met in 2019.
“Also his striking, he is simply more crispy than Dustin Poirier,” Valentin said. “I think this will make the difference in that fight. Hand speed, foot movement and striking counterattacks.
“For this I go with Max Holloway. I am also a bit biased, I am a huge Max Holloway fan and have been for many years … I'm going with Holloway with an interruption.”
Robert Valentin struggled to read on his opponent prior to UFC 318
During his time, Robert Valentin showed about 'The Ultimate Fighter', where he doubled and both competitor and coach for the Alexa Grasso team, which he has a great spirit for MMA.
However, this did not make his work easier when he tries to break down his upcoming opponent on UFC 318, the 23-year-old Ateba Gautier.
Valentin told Bloody Elbow that because his opponent is not tested throughout his career, it is difficult to predict how he will respond as soon as they meet in New Orleans.
“It is very difficult to break down, because studying him is very difficult because he has never had to deal with heavy competition. So you can see how he fights when he fights, I would say, lower frills and you do not know how the customs of a hunter and how he really scratches when the fight becomes ugly and when you don't go away.
“He absolutely misses some experience, but yes, of course he has what is needed to be in the UFC, otherwise Dana would not have signed him.”