UFC 318 promised high drama, and in its main event, it delivered a spectacle fitting of two modern legends. Max “Blessed” Holloway once again showcased his unparalleled striking prowess and iron will, definitively ending his trilogy with Dustin Poirier and sending “The Diamond” into retirement. The fight was a grueling, five-round war, a testament to both fighters` heart and skill. Yet, amidst the glow of victory and the solemnity of a legend`s farewell, a discordant note emerged: the baffling omission of Holloway vs. Poirier from the coveted “Fight of the Night” bonus.
The Puzzling Bonus Snub
For many observers, the main event was the undisputed candidate for the evening`s most thrilling encounter. Holloway, who not only dispatched a formidable rival but also avenged two prior losses to Poirier, seemed a shoo-in for the extra remuneration that accompanies such a distinction. The unexpected decision to award the bonus to a preliminary bout between Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori has left Holloway, and a significant portion of the MMA community, scratching their heads.
“How the hell did we not get Fight of the Night? What is he thinking? Come on, Dana.”
Holloway, ever the showman, posed this rhetorical question aimed squarely at UFC CEO Dana White, encapsulating the collective bewilderment. It`s a sentiment that highlights the delicate balance between athletic achievement and corporate calculus in the world of professional combat sports. One might wonder if the sheer scale of the main event, the retirement of a BMF-level fighter, somehow disqualified it from the `bonus for excitement` category, perhaps deemed sufficiently rewarded by its marquee status alone. A curious logic, if indeed it exists.
The Unconventional Career Closer
Beyond the bonus controversy, UFC 318 cemented an unlikely, somewhat somber distinction for Holloway: the definitive career closer. This isn`t the first time “Blessed” has played this role. In 2023, he delivered the final blow in the illustrious career of South Korean icon, “The Korean Zombie” (Chan Sung Jung), with a brutal third-round knockout. Now, he adds Dustin Poirier, a consensus future Hall of Famer, to this list.
Holloway`s reflections on this unique position are tinged with both professional pride and personal respect. “It sucks, I came in here to be spoiler, that’s what I’m going to do, but it sucks to do it against a man like him,” he acknowledged, referring to Poirier. This sentiment underscores a deeper layer to Holloway`s character: while a relentless competitor, he possesses a profound appreciation for the human element of the sport. His respect for both Poirier and Jung as “great human beings” transcends the octagon`s fierce competition, forging connections that will forever link them in MMA history.
Charting a New Course in Lightweight
The victory over Poirier marks Holloway`s second consecutive win at 155 pounds, further solidifying his presence in the lightweight division. This follows his electrifying last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, a performance that earned him the ceremonial BMF belt. While a subsequent challenge for the featherweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 resulted in his first career knockout loss, Holloway`s recent successes at lightweight have opened up a new strategic landscape.
With Ilia Topuria now holding the UFC lightweight title after his recent victory over Charles Oliveira, a potential rematch between Holloway and Topuria looms large – this time in a new weight class. Holloway is keenly aware of the opportunities ahead, stating, “This sport is about having moments. I’m glad I went here, I did this moment, and we’ll see what happens.” He expressed readiness for a confrontation with Topuria, or even a compelling bout against Charles Oliveira, given their shared history. The top 10 of the lightweight division is replete with exciting matchups for Holloway, positioning him as a formidable contender with a clear path to championship gold, regardless of the bonus controversies.
Conclusion: The Fighter`s Pursuit
Max Holloway remains a dynamic force in mixed martial arts, a fighter who consistently delivers memorable performances. His recent triumph over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 was a masterclass in resilience and skill, further cementing his legacy. While the absence of a “Fight of the Night” bonus may be a point of contention with the UFC`s top brass, it hardly diminishes the magnitude of his achievement or his standing as one of the sport`s most compelling figures. As Holloway navigates the strategic landscape of the lightweight division, his narrative continues to be a captivating blend of athletic brilliance and the ever-present realities of the fight business.
