Dustin Poirier will hope to go out on a high as he attempts to go 3-0 against Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318.
The legendary “Diamond” is an all-time great in the UFC, with Dustin Poirier putting in some fantastic performances against the likes of Conor McGregor and Max Holloway in his 16-year career.
That career comes to an end on Saturday against Holloway, whom he has beaten twice in their previous bouts, and is hoping to go three wins on the bounce before hanging up his gloves for good.
However, Holloway will have something to say about that. He is a much different fighter than their last bout six years ago, and Poirier was just Holloway’s second opponent in the UFC during their first encounter.
He is now one of the all-time great Featherweights in UFC history and is a former UFC Featherweight champion. Holloway should have enough to beat Poirier in his swansong, but what do the experts think?
The Bloody Elbow staff has made their predictions about what will happen in the main event of UFC 318 between Poirier and Holloway.
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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLCMax Holloway vs Dustin Poirier predictionsJamie Theodosi: Although Poirier has held the advantages over Holloway in their first two outings, he was never fully prepared for a full-time move up to lightweight. But now he is, and he will have prepared properly. With this being Poirier’s last dance, I just don’t see him going out on a win.
PREDICTION – MAX HOLLOWAY TO WIN VIA DECISION
Donagh Corby: The last two times that Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier squared off, the physical advantages were in favor of the Louisiana native. He was much more experienced first time around, and had become much more used to lightweight by the time they rematched. Now, Poirier is spent, and Holloway still has a number of years left. Also, nobody ever goes out on a win, so I’m backing Holloway
PREDICTION – MAX HOLLOWAY TO WIN
Jordan Ellis: I’m backing Holloway to finally get one over on Poirier. Now, a fully-fledged lightweight, he’s better placed than ever to get it done. It’ll be a close, competitive, and entertaining fight early. I expect Holloway to take over in the later rounds to secure a decision win.
PREDICTION – MAX HOLLOWAY TO WIN VIA DECISION
Ross Markey: With lightweight waters now firmly in his grasp, I’m backing Max Holloway to finally break his duck against Dustin Poirier. Fighting expertly against Justin Gaethje in his most recent outing at the limit, the Hawaiian looks far more comfortable and refined at 155lbs nowadays. I’m picking him to send Poirier into retirement with defeat.
PREDICTION – MAX HOLLOWAY TO WIN
