After retaining his UFC BMF Championship against Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 318 on Saturday, Max Holloway had some well-wishes for his longtime rival in his retirement.
Following his win in their trilogy bout after losing his first two fights against Poirier, Holloway took to social media with a kind message for the 36-year-old, who officially ended his legendary career in his home state of Louisiana in front of a packed crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.
Holloway and Poirier created another instant classic in Saturday’s main event, going back and forth over five rounds in an exciting battle. After Holloway scored a knockdown in the first round, Poirier knocked him down in the second to get the momentum on his side. However, Holloway pulled away over the final three rounds to earn a unanimous decision by scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47.
The UFC played a tribute for Poirier before he laid his gloves on the Octagon mat for good:
Despite never winning an undisputed championship, Poirier is one of the most beloved fighters in UFC history because of his exciting fighting style and his admirable rise to superstardom.
As Holloway said in his social media message, Poirier will be missed as he transitions to the next chapter of his life outside the Octagon.