Dustin Poirier's Road Back: Holloway Rematch at UFC 318? Analysis & Predictions

Jul 18, 2025

Dustin Poirier's Next Chapter: The Road to UFC 318 and Beyond

Following a hard-fought loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 for the lightweight title, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier finds himself at a career crossroads. While he remains a top-ranked contender and a fan favorite, the path back to championship contention is fraught with challenges. One potential opponent that continues to surface in discussions is Max “Blessed” Holloway, sparking speculation about a trilogy fight at UFC 318. This article delves into the likelihood of this matchup, explores other potential opponents, and analyzes Poirier's overall trajectory in the UFC.

The Allure of Poirier vs. Holloway III: A Trilogy in the Making

The history between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway is rich and compelling. Their first encounter at UFC 143 in 2012 saw Poirier secure a dominant submission victory over a young Holloway. Their rematch, for the interim lightweight title at UFC 236 in 2019, was a Fight of the Year contender, with Poirier emerging victorious again, this time by unanimous decision. The close and exciting nature of their second fight, coupled with Holloway’s evolution as a fighter, has fueled demand for a trilogy fight. A potential Poirier vs. Holloway III matchup at UFC 318 is attractive for several reasons:

Fan Appeal: Their previous fights were highly entertaining, guaranteeing a strong audience.
Marketability: Both fighters are known for their exciting fighting styles and strong personalities, making the fight easy to promote.
Ranking Implications: A win over either Poirier or Holloway would significantly boost the winner's standing in either the lightweight or featherweight division.

Holloway's Featherweight Dominance and Lightweight Ambitions

Max Holloway, despite his losses to Poirier, has established himself as one of the greatest featherweights of all time. He holds numerous records in the division, including the longest winning streak and the most significant strikes landed. While he consistently defends his featherweight throne, Holloway has also expressed interest in competing at lightweight again. A third fight against Poirier could provide him with the perfect opportunity to prove himself in the higher weight class. However, Holloway's recent victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 for the BMF title adds another layer to the equation. Does he want to defend the BMF title, remain at featherweight, or pursue a lightweight contender fight?

Poirier's Lightweight Legacy and Championship Aspirations

Dustin Poirier is a veteran of the sport with a reputation for toughness, resilience, and exciting fights. He has faced some of the best lightweights in the world, including Conor McGregor (twice), Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Khabib Nurmagomedov. While he has fallen short in his attempts to capture the undisputed lightweight title, Poirier remains a dangerous contender. A victory over Holloway would not only avenge his loss to Makhachev indirectly but also propel him back into the title conversation. However, the road to another title shot is paved with tough opponents and strategic decisions.

Analyzing the Likelihood of Poirier vs. Holloway III at UFC 318

While the prospect of Poirier vs. Holloway III is appealing, several factors could prevent it from happening at UFC 318 or any other time in the near future:

Holloway's Featherweight Commitments: As mentioned earlier, Holloway's primary focus may remain on defending his featherweight title or the BMF title. Challenging Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champion, seems like a more immediate and logical step for him.
Poirier's Lightweight Competition: The lightweight division is stacked with talent. There are numerous other compelling matchups for Poirier, such as fights against Michael Chandler, Beneil Dariush, or even a rematch with Justin Gaethje.
UFC's Matchmaking Priorities: The UFC's matchmaking decisions are often influenced by factors such as marketability, rankings, and potential storylines. A Poirier vs. Holloway III fight, while appealing, may not be the most strategic move from a business perspective.
Timing: UFC 318 might be too soon. Fighters need time to recover, train, and promote their fights.

Alternative Opponents for Dustin Poirier

If a fight against Holloway at UFC 318 is unlikely, who else could Poirier face? Here are some potential alternative opponents, along with an analysis of each matchup:

Michael Chandler: This fight has been rumored for years and would be a guaranteed barnburner. Both fighters are known for their aggressive styles and willingness to engage in exciting exchanges. Chandler is currently booked for UFC 303 against Conor McGregor, but if that fight falls through (as has been the case multiple times before), Poirier could step in.
Beneil Dariush: Dariush, despite recent losses, remains a highly skilled and dangerous opponent. He possesses a strong grappling game and a solid striking base. A fight against Poirier would be a compelling clash of styles.
Dan Hooker: This is a rematch of their epic 2020 fight, which is widely considered one of the greatest lightweight battles of all time. Both fighters have expressed interest in a rematch, and it would be a highly anticipated event.
Justin Gaethje (Rematch): Their first fight was a war, and a rematch would undoubtedly be just as exciting. Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure and devastating striking, would provide a stiff challenge for Poirier.
Mateusz Gamrot: A rising contender with a strong wrestling background, Gamrot represents a new challenge for Poirier. This fight would test Poirier's ability to defend takedowns and control the grappling exchanges.

Poirier's Training and Preparation: Adapting to Different Styles

Dustin Poirier's success stems not only from his natural talent but also from his dedication to training and preparation. He trains at American Top Team (ATT), one of the premier MMA gyms in the world, alongside a team of highly skilled coaches and training partners. His training regimen typically involves a combination of:

Striking Drills: Honing his boxing skills, kickboxing techniques, and overall striking strategy.
Grappling Sessions: Improving his takedown defense, submission skills, and ground control.
Wrestling Training: Enhancing his wrestling ability for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Strength and Conditioning: Building strength, power, and endurance to withstand the rigors of a fight.
Sparring: Applying his skills and strategies in simulated fight scenarios.

Poirier's ability to adapt his training to different opponents is crucial to his success. He carefully studies his opponents' strengths and weaknesses and tailors his training accordingly. For example, if he were to fight a wrestler like Gamrot, he would focus heavily on takedown defense and grappling. If he were to fight a striker like Chandler or Gaethje, he would emphasize his striking skills and cardio.

UFC 318: Location, Date, and Confirmed Fights

As of the writing of this article, UFC 318 is scheduled for July 27, 2024. The location has yet to be officially announced. While no fights have been officially confirmed beyond preliminary rumors, the event is expected to feature a stacked card with several high-profile matchups. Keep an eye on official UFC announcements for the latest updates.

The Financial Aspect: Poirier's Earning Potential

Dustin Poirier is one of the highest-paid fighters in the UFC. His earnings come from a combination of:

Show Money: The guaranteed amount he receives for each fight.
Win Bonus: An additional bonus he receives if he wins the fight.
Pay-Per-View Points: A percentage of the revenue generated from pay-per-view sales.
Sponsorships: Income from sponsors who endorse him and his brand.

A fight against a high-profile opponent like Max Holloway or Michael Chandler would likely generate significant revenue for Poirier. In addition to the financial benefits, a victory in a high-profile fight would also boost his brand and increase his earning potential in the long run.

The Psychological Game: Poirier's Mental Fortitude

Beyond his physical skills, Dustin Poirier possesses exceptional mental fortitude. He is known for his ability to remain calm and focused under pressure, even in the face of adversity. This mental toughness has been instrumental in his success in the UFC. He consistently rebounds from losses and continues to improve as a fighter. His ability to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand is a valuable asset.

The Role of Coaching: American Top Team's Influence

American Top Team (ATT) plays a significant role in Dustin Poirier's success. ATT is home to some of the best coaches and training partners in the world. Poirier benefits from the expertise of coaches who have worked with numerous world champions. The gym provides a supportive and challenging environment that fosters growth and development. The coaches at ATT help Poirier develop game plans, refine his techniques, and prepare mentally for each fight.

The Community Impact: Poirier's Charitable Work

Dustin Poirier is not only a great fighter but also a compassionate and generous human being. He and his wife, Jolie, founded The Good Fight Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports various charitable causes. The foundation has raised money for numerous initiatives, including providing meals to the homeless, supporting schools in need, and assisting families affected by natural disasters. Poirier's commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to his character and values.

The Future of Dustin Poirier: Championship Dreams and Beyond

Dustin Poirier's career is far from over. While he has faced setbacks, he remains a top-ranked contender with the potential to achieve even greater success. Whether he faces Max Holloway at UFC 318 or another opponent, Poirier will continue to entertain fans with his exciting fighting style and unwavering determination. His ultimate goal is to capture the undisputed lightweight title, and he will do everything in his power to achieve that dream. Beyond fighting, Poirier is also building a legacy of philanthropy and community service. He is an inspiration to many, both inside and outside the octagon.

Expert Predictions and Analysis

While it's difficult to predict the future with certainty, here are some expert predictions and analysis regarding Dustin Poirier's next steps:

Poirier vs. Holloway III: The likelihood of this fight happening at UFC 318 is relatively low, given Holloway's commitments and the other available options for both fighters. However, it remains a possibility in the future.
Potential Opponents: Michael Chandler is a strong contender, especially if the McGregor fight falls through. Beneil Dariush and Dan Hooker are also viable options.
Championship Aspirations: Poirier will likely need to string together a couple of impressive wins to earn another title shot. The lightweight division is highly competitive, and there are many other contenders vying for the same opportunity.
Legacy: Regardless of whether he ever wins the undisputed title, Dustin Poirier has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights of all time. His exciting fights, his resilience, and his charitable work have made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the MMA community.

Ultimately, the decision of who Dustin Poirier will face next lies with the UFC matchmakers. However, based on the available information and the various factors discussed in this article, it seems likely that Poirier will face a different opponent at UFC 318, with the possibility of a Holloway rematch down the line.

Staying Updated: News and Rumors

The world of MMA is constantly evolving, with news and rumors circulating daily. To stay updated on the latest developments regarding Dustin Poirier's career and potential matchups, follow reputable MMA news outlets and social media accounts. Official announcements from the UFC are the most reliable source of information.

Conclusion: The Diamond's Enduring Appeal

Dustin Poirier's journey in the UFC has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, victories and defeats. However, through it all, he has remained a consistent force in the lightweight division. His exciting fighting style, his unwavering determination, and his commitment to giving back to the community have made him one of the most popular and respected fighters in the sport. Whether he faces Max Holloway at UFC 318 or another opponent, Dustin Poirier will continue to captivate fans and inspire others with his remarkable story.