Prediction for the fight Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway

BMF titleholder Max Holloway will defend his title in a trilogy with Dustin Poirier - this will happen in the main event of the UFC 318 tournament in New Orleans on the morning of July 20. "The Diamond" plans to retire with the belt.

• Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway;
• Dustin Poirier;
• Max Holloway;
• Comparative analysis;
• Game Totals Prediction.

Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway

Dustin Poirier

Dustin is currently ranked number 6. He will enter the cage as one of the UFC veterans, a former interim champion and winner of many awards. In reserve, the "Diamond" has a black belt in jiu-jitsu and fists of a pood.

Dustin has been following a strategy of losing after winning for 5 fights in a row. He lost to Islam Makhachev in his last fight, so he should probably win in the next one – promising for betting.

Strengths

Given the two previous fights with Holloway, we will see a lot of work on the feet and exchanges. Who knows, maybe Poirier will decide to surprise everyone with wrestling, but it is unlikely, but he will definitely try to throw a guillotine a couple of times. Otherwise, his original boxing, high pace and pressure will make the picture of the fight.

Weaknesses

Dustin has always missed a lot, and his manner of going into block and standing near the net increases the chances of receiving additional damage even more. Yes, he has nothing to fear on the ground now, but his defense on the ground is also not all right.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

The American is 36 years old, hasn't fought in a little over a year, comes out after a loss and fights for the last time. It sounds like all the conditions are there for a bad performance, walking off into the sunset forever. However, Poirier has always had a competitive spirit, so performing on his home arena, with the possibility of becoming the last BMF champion, taking the title with him, should spur him on.

Max Holloway

After defeating Gaethje, Max remains the number 1 featherweight, and is not included in the lightweight ratings. Despite the fact that many consider the Hawaiian to be a purebred boxer, he came out of taekwondo - a roundhouse kick to Justin's nose is direct proof of that. He has a brown belt in BJJ and the title of ex-UFC champion, not counting the BMF belt.

Before Topuria's defeat, Holloway had three bets on his victory, but lost to the Spaniard by knockout, which he had never experienced before. Now he plans to fight in the 70 kg weight class on a regular basis.

Strengths

Even in a new division, Max demonstrates an excellent fighting pace, he hasn't slowed down in cardio at all, and has even become more powerful in his charging. "The Blessed One" is extremely good with his hands, increasingly adding kicks to his combinations and moves superbly, finding loopholes for an ideal entry into striking distance.

Weaknesses

Max is not about the ground game. It is difficult for him to realize his attacking potential from the clinch. As Iliya showed, Holloway also does not easily endure rapid pressure with powerful blows, and having been knocked out, he is unlikely to be so bold in arranging bone-to-bone exchanges.

The current form and readiness of the fighter

The fighter is 33 years old, has not fought since October 2024, and now intends to take on the lightweight division, reaching the champion title. As before, Max is motivated, especially since this is the last attempt to prove that he can defeat Dustin, plus - to keep his belt. It is possible that this time, Holloway will decide to hold not a crazy brawl, but a strategically verified fight.

Comparative analysis

If neither team develops a unique game plan, but uses the strongest sides of their fighters, then we will have a fight at medium-close range. And if in the past Poirier looked more convincing there, although Max also had excellent episodes, now, looking at how "Blessed" dealt with Gaethje, there are doubts about Dustin's superiority.

Probably, the younger Holloway is progressing better than the "Diamond", which is also indicated by the odds. That is why it would not be superfluous to place a free bet on one of the participants, because surprises are not excluded. In the overall standings, Poirier is still more complete, but here the issue of motivation will be acute, and it is not at all a fact that the final fight in his career will force the Louisianan to turn on the "monster" mode, as he did before.

Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway Prediction

Carefully weighing all the pros and cons, we are approaching the conclusion that the trilogy will be the closest of all the battles between these guys. And yes, most likely, the battle for survival will take place again, and the five-round format will allow everyone to gradually connect their resources, bringing the fight to the championship segments.

Considering the close odds, it is wiser to start from the duration of the meeting, because both have a reason to give their maximum and to show performances in class, working moderately, for a victory on points. Also, do not forget about exclusive bonuses , relevant for bets on UFC 318. Install the 1xbet app and place a bet on the favorite!

Prediction: 3rd round will start – yes/Total Over (3.5)