Dustin Poirier`s career is winding down, and his final opponent has been named.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, Poirier revealed that he will face Max Holloway for the BMF championship in what he intends to be his last professional fight. The bout is scheduled for July 19 as part of UFC 318, taking place at the Smoothie King Center in his hometown of New Orleans.
“It’s going to be my final fight,” Poirier stated. “I’m going to lay my gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me. The whole journey started there, and I’m just honored the UFC was on the same page, the state of Louisiana was on the same page to make all of this work.”
He added, “July 19, me and Max Holloway are going to fight, five rounds, main event, pay-per-view for his BMF title.”
Poirier had previously hinted at retirement following his loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 301 last June, expressing a desire for his final contest to be in New Orleans. “The Diamond” has now secured that wish and will aim to extend his dominant record against Holloway to 3-0.
Holloway also expressed satisfaction with the matchup and the opportunity to potentially avenge his previous losses to Poirier. He took to social media, stating he was happy to be Poirier`s final opponent.
“Honored to be The Diamond’s Last Dance,” Holloway posted.
“Blessed,” as Holloway is known, is returning to the lightweight division after capturing the BMF title with a memorable knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. Before that spectacular victory, his previous fight was a loss to Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC 308 last October, which marked his final appearance at featherweight.
