Max Holloway was all class after his victory in the main event of UFC 318.
Alexander Volkanovski spoke strongly about Holloway's ability to bounce back, but in some respects his BMF title defense was not the story of UFC 318.
Dustin Poirier retired after he was defeated by Holloway in five rounds, after he announced that July 19 would be his last fight some time ago.
Poirier looks back at his career without any regret and the UFC has certainly done great to send him the he deserved.
Immediately after the fight, 'blessed' cut his interview in the Octagon after the fight to give his opponent the floor before sharing his thoughts about 'The Diamond' the next day.
Max Holloway thanks Dustin Poirier and congratulates him on retirement after UFC 318
After he thanked the fans in New Orleans and called a fight with Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway shortened his time on the microphone after he had lifted his hand on UFC 318.
“This is not my moment, I'm done talking,” said Holloway before he embraced his opponent. “This is Dustin's pension fight. Sign up for the man.”
'Blessed' and Dustin Poirier are linked in their UFC career, where 'The Diamond' is the first opponent to find Holloway ever in the Octagon.
Their UFC 236 Rematch in 2019 for the interim light weight belt will go in the history books as one of the greatest title fights of all time.
After the last opponent of Poirier's career on July 19, Holloway wrote a post on social media to give a full audience tribute to his dance partner, after he finally won a victory against him.
Although it was not easy for the former Vederweight champion to play spoiler on this occasion, the mutual respect between them made the BMF champion the perfect fit in many ways.
“It was an honor not to share the Octagon once, not twice, but three times with this man. Thank you for being a warrior in the cage and even a bigger person out. The sport will miss you. Enjoy your pension! Complete! Diamonds are forever.”
It was an honor not to share the Octagon once, not twice but three times with this man. Thank you Dustin for being a warrior in the cage and even a larger person out. The sport will miss you. Enjoy your pension! Fully paid! Diamonds are forever. 🤙uter @DustinPoirier pic.twitter.com/tazt6qsigz
– Max Holloway (@blessedmma) July 20, 2025
View tweet
Max Holloway has set all his sights on his next opponent
Although he did not take much time with his interview after the fight, Max Holloway was still taking care of what he wants afterwards.
There were a few questions on the way to UFC 318 about whether the first knockout loss of his career would be 'blessed' on his return.
The BMF champion was injured by Poirier in the second round, but he was able to recover before he won a unanimous decision at the end of five rounds.
After he had called for a rematch with Ilia Topuria, Dana White claimed that “everything is possible” for Holloway after his victory on Saturday evening.