The UFC icon Michael Bisping has now given his prediction for the Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway trilogy fight for this weekend.
UFC 318 is fast approaching with Poirier putting on the gloves for a final time when he heads to the octagon on Saturday night.
The ‘Blessed One’ isn’t considering retirement just yet and has even discussed his title hopes while assessing Paddy Pimblett’s chances in an Ilia Topuria fight.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Fighting in his hometown against a foe he knows very well in Holloway, some, like Eddie Alvarez, believe Poirier is checked out already ahead of the retirement bout.
Michael Bisping confident in Dustin Poirier beating Max Holloway in farewell fight
Bisping, though, disagrees with his MMA contemporary, as he sees no other way than a win for the ‘Diamond’ – with the occasion likely to spur him on.
In a video posted to his YouTube channel, he explained: “I think Max Holloway has probably the cleaner boxing, I think he’s got the speed, but Dustin has the power, he’s got more ways to win, and he’s just got that dog in him.
“Yes, there is pressure when you are fighting in front of your hometown… and the moment is all about you, and it can cause you to clam up, but Dustin is so used to being the man of the moment.
But he knows it won’t be a one-sided affair and even believes these two warriors are going all the way.
He said: “I know Max Holloway will point to the ground. I know Dustin Poirier will oblige because that’s what he does, he ain’t going to b- – ch out in front of his hometown.
“Dustin Poirier will be the winner by decision, and he will be in the Hall of Fame.”
High praise from a fighter who himself landed his place in MMA infamy with his 2019 induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in London.
Bisping claims Ilia Topuria is the best boxer in the UFC over Max Holloway
Holloway was always known for his striking ability and labelled as the UFC’s best boxer, with a fight against Calvin Kattar the highlight reel of his ability.
But since a third-round knockout loss to Topuria and the Spaniard’s rise up the ranks, he has, in the eyes of fans, taken that title.
Great Britain’s first ever UFC champion is in full agreement and believes there is no one better than ‘El Matador’.
Bisping said: “Yes, Ilia Topuria did that and Ilia is the best boxer in the UFC. It is not Max Holloway anymore.
“Records are made to be broken, titles are meant to be taken. He was the best boxer in the UFC, and now that is Ilia.”
It is hard to argue with this, as the Georgian has amounted to 8 knockouts in 17 fights.
And his finishing ability in title fights is apparent in his three wins against Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway, and Charles Olivera.
🤯🏆 Ilia Topuria went from a top contender to a champion in two different weight classes in only THREE fights.
This man is on a different planet in terms of skill.
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— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) June 29, 2025
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While he may have lost that title, the Hawaiian will hope his strikes can get Poirier out of there and finally win against a man with nothing to lose.