Poirier's party is overshadowed and he says goodbye with a loss to Holloway for the BMF belt at UFC 318

Max Holloway e Dustin poirier in a trilogy at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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The long-awaited farewell to Dustin poirier had emotion, drama, and intensity, but it ended with a bitter taste for the American. In a five-round war, Max Holloway got the better of the judges' decision and defended the symbolic BMF belt (toughest fighter), in the main fight of UFC 318, this Saturday (19), in Louisiana, home of 'Diamante', in the United States.

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In front of his home crowd, Poirier leaves the sport with a career record of 30 wins and ten losses. The American entered the UFC in 2011 and faced names such as Conor McGregor, Michael chandlerEddie Alvarez Anthony Pettis, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Among others.

Holloway has a record of 27 wins and eight losses. A former featherweight champion, the fighter defended his "toughest guy" belt for the first time.

Poirier vs. Holloway go to war at UFC 318

There was no time to blink. After landing consecutive kicks, Holloway landed a right hand that sent Poirier sprawling. The Diamond, however, held his own and returned to the center of the Octagon. The fight continued at a close range, with Dustin closing in with combinations and already recovering.

Max's sequence drew attention again in the second round. With a powerful striking combination, the Hawaiian made Dustin feel the pressure and wobble on his feet. He even danced in the octagon. Holloway still tried to take advantage of the top position, but saw his opponent lock in the position, even from the bottom, to give himself time to recover.

Once back on his feet, the 'Diamond' recovered and landed some good hands. He fired up the momentum, went all out, and got his revenge. Sensationally, the American knocked the Hawaiian down with a punch and tried to seal the deal. He landed three elbows, but the former featherweight champion was saved by the bell.

By the third round, Poirier was already showing signs of fatigue. Holloway stepped up his game. Although he didn't rock his opponent as he had in the previous rounds, the former champion landed solid shots and was superior. The fourth round saw a reversal of fortune, and Dustin survived. A left-handed punch landed on his opponent's head, and he was also bleeding below his eye.

The crowd couldn't contain themselves and stood watching the fifth round. And the two didn't disappoint. UFC legends, both put on a frenetic fight in the octagon. It was a spectacle. In the final ten seconds, Holloway called for the middle of the octagon, did it again, and the two exchanged blows. Poirier felt it, backed away, and went for the takedown only to finish.

Poirier gets emotional and receives video from UFC

Emotions were rife from the start. Adored, Poirier entered with rapper and friend Lil Wayne, who sang the James Brown classic "The Boss." The American became emotional as he walked into the octagon. He also greeted family and friends before the final "entry blitz" of his career.

After the fight, "Diamante" expressed his gratitude for everything the UFC did for him and thanked the fans for their support, who supported him from start to finish. The UFC also showed a tribute on the big screen to the former interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).

"I thought he'd hit me hard. And he did. He's tough, fast, and accurate. He's a champion. He has all my respect. I feel blessed. Last week was incredible. I felt the love from the fans and the company. I didn't know I'd affected so many people chasing my dream. I'm a kid who's been through a lot," said Poirier.

UFC 318 results

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Max Holloway derrotou Dustin poirier by unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – fight for the BMF belt

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Paulo borrachinha derrotou Roman Kopylov in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Daniel Rodriguez derrotou Kevin holland in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Patricio pitbull defeat Dan Ige in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Johnson derrotou Daniel Zellhuber in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (19:15 p.m. Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Vinicius LokDog derrotou Kyler Phillips by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Brendan allen derrotou Marvin vettori by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Nikolay Veretennikov derrotou Francis Meadow by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Robert Valentine by technical knockout (punches) at 1min10sec of R1

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov defeated Adam Fugitt by knockout (punches) at 4min06sec of R1

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Jimmy crute derrotou Marcin Prachnio by submission (armbar) at 4m42sec of R1

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Ryan spann derrotou Lukasz Brzeski by submission (guillotine) at 2m47sec of R1

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bruno Hulk defeated Jackson McVey by submission (armbar) at 3:35 of R1

Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Carli Judice derrotou Nicole Caliari by technical knockout at 1:03. from R3