5 Burning Questions for UFC 318
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As Dustin Poirier prepares to make the final walk of his storied career and Max Holloway aims to spoil the sendoff, UFC 318 feels like the end of an era. From what Poirier’s legacy looks like, to the stakes for Holloway’s future, and whether the BMF title still holds weight, there’s plenty to unpack.
Ahead of a card that’s flown under the radar, we tackle the key storylines, critical outcomes, and legacy-shaping questions that surround UFC 318:
#1. How will Dustin Poirier be remembered as a fighter and ultimately what is his legacy within the sport?
Lee: Dustin Poirier will be remembered as a warrior who fought the best but never held the undisputed title. It speaks to the depth of the lightweight division during his run. While Jon Jones fought for a title in 17 straight appearances, Poirier hasn’t faced someone outside the top 10 since 2016. Known for his signature guillotine attempts and relentless pursuit of greatness, he evolved into a world-class fighter.
With a 20-year career, he’s still standing, still fighting, and remains one of MMA’s most beloved figures. His legacy is secure… Belt or no belt.
Evan: It’s hard for me to encapsulate what Dustin Poirier’s lasting impression will be on the sport. I think he’ll be remembered as one of the greatest action fighters of all-time. As well as being one of the best finishers, pocket boxers, and devastating punchers the lightweight division has ever seen. Poirier fought every elite name of his generation at 155, where he holds wins over five former UFC champions. He’s also delivered an iconic career of memorable battles.
From his fights with Anthony Pettis, Chan Sun Jung, Dan Hooker, Jim Miller, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Michael Chandler, Dustin has a highlight reel of instant classics that not many other fighters can replicate. Additionally, he was able to solidify himself as one of the best lightweights the sport has ever seen without ever having won undisputed gold.
Here are some of Poirier’s most impressive accolades:
- Ranks top 5 in UFC history for…
- Most wins
- Most finishes
- Most knockdowns
- Fight of the Night bonuses
- Tied for the most knockouts in UFC history
- 3rd in significant strikes landed
- 5th in total strikes landed
- 4th in knockdowns landed in UFC lightweight division history
Last but certainly not least, the work he’s done outside of the cage with his Good Fight Foundation has been arguably more important than what he’s done inside of it. Ultimately, Dustin Poirier will be remembered as one of the most beloved figures the sport has ever seen. He is the last of a dying breed.
His retirement signifies the end of an era in many ways. He’s a fighter who was as vicious as anyone we’ve seen while he was competing, yet also one of the best human beings outside of fighting. A generational talent, tremendous father, husband, and community leader. It’s been a privilege to watch Dustin’s career over the last two decades. MMA is going to sorely miss him.
#2. If Max Holloway loses back-to-back for the first time in five years, where does his career go from there?
Lee: Max Holloway’s career is at a crossroads with a loss. If he loses, does he return to featherweight and play the role of gatekeeper knowing that if Alexander Volkanovski is the champion, he will never fight for the belt? The options at 155 will be bigger fighters in stature with well-rounded skill sets that will exploit his weakness, wrestling and grappling.
Win or lose, I think it’s time for Holloway to add some tools to his toolbelt. Being strictly a standup fighter is not going to serve him well moving forward. Today’s fighters are more well-rounded and know how to neutralize their opponent’s prior offensive weapon.
Evan: I’m with Lee here that a loss would be a pretty big crossroads moment for Max Holloway. Especially if he gets finished by Poirier… That would be the first time Holloway has ever suffered consecutive back-to-back finish defeats. I still think Max has all the technical ability in the world. However, at 33 years old, we could be seeing the start of his physical decline. Holloway is known for his legendary durability and ability to wear damage well.
But, the KO loss to Ilia Topuria last October, and a potential KO or TKO loss to Dustin, would signify that his chin has been fully cracked. This is an extremely pivotal moment in the Hawaiian legends career, and a loss may be detrimental.
#3. On the flip side, what does a win here over a retiring Poirier do for Holloway going forward?
Lee: Max Holloway has already reached the top. He has won and defended the UFC featherweight title four times. In April 2024, he delivered a KO of the Year contender against Justin Gaethje to claim the BMF title.
A win over Poirier would put him in the lightweight title mix. More importantly, it would solidify his place as one of the best in the world. With Poirier fighting at home, the odds are stacked against Max. But, a win here would be the biggest of his career.
Evan: I’m not sure I’d go as far as to say this would be Holloway’s biggest win to date. I feel that’s a bit strong and downplays some of his other elite, important victories. However, Max is sort of in between a rock and a hard place right now at this point in his career. He’s not returning to the featherweight division, and with Alexander Volkanovski being the champ at 145, a fighter he’s lost to three times, his days competing there seem over.
On the other hand, now that Ilia Topuria is the lightweight champion, it’s going to be hard for him to get a title opportunity and rematch at 155 too. His options are going to be severely limited in that way. Beating Poirier would elevate Holloway’s already quality star power even more, and set up fun, big fights for him as the BMF champion. If he decides to pursue another title run too, it at least gives him the wiggle room to chase that as well. A win here is crucial for opening up Max’s options going forward, in a time where they seem so constricted.
#4. Now that we’ve seen several fights with it, what do you make of the BMF title and how the promotion utilizes it?
Lee: The BMF title was created to highlight fighters with toughness, heart, and grit. Despite mixed reactions from fans and fighters, it has added real excitement to the MMA world. All three BMF title fights have delivered. Even the first, which ended via doctor stoppage, saw Masvidal clearly dominating Diaz. These fights have showcased personality as much as skill. Let’s be honest… Who wouldn’t want to be known as the Baddest Motherf***er in the game?
Evan: I also have no real issues with the BMF title myself. It’s definitely a gimmick for sure, but the way the promotion has used it has been overall pretty great. Plus, it hasn’t really gotten in the way at all of the legitimate title picture of any division.
UFC has done a good job of making them a rare occasion, so the matchups themselves feel more special. The names they’re also booking in these BMF showdowns are usually aging, fan-favorite, action fighters. It’s a smart way to utilize that talent and the belt itself. So as long as they keep doing what they have been with it, I don’t really see an issue.
#5. On paper, is UFC 318 the weakest PPV card and offering in 2025 so far?
Lee: Fight placement matters, and recent UFC changes have made this card much more watchable. I’m fine with the main event since there’s no traditional title fight. But, I disagree with Paulo Costa-Roman Kopylov being the co-main over Dan Ige-Patricio Pitbull.
Marvin Vettori vs. Brandon Allen should have headlined the early prelims. Michael Johnson-Daniel Zellhuber belongs on the prelims, and Kyler Phillips-Vinicius Oliveira should have opened the main card… Especially if the UFC sees them as future stars. This PPV looked shaky a few weeks ago, but with the new bout order, I’m excited.
Evan: The main appeal of UFC 318 is clearly centered around the Poirier-Holloway trilogy and this being Dustin’s retirement fight in his home state. Although, I must say I feel this card has more to offer than it’s getting credit for. Admittedly, the early prelims aren’t great and look like a UFC Apex event. With that being said, from Marvin Vettori-Brendan Allen onward, there’s a lot to like here.
You’ve got that matchup plus Kyler Phillips-Vinicius Oliveira, Michael Johnson-Daniel Zellhuber, Dan Ige-Patricio Pitbull, Kevin Holland-Daniel Rodriguez, Paulo Costa-Roman Kopylov, and the main event. That’s seven really fun, meaningful fights to look forward to. So while it might be lacking in star power, there’s enough intriguing, high action scraps on this card to enjoy. It may not be as good as 317 was, nor has the same lineup that UFC Abu Dhabi or 319 does. But, there should be enough here on 318 for most fight fans to feast on.
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