Latest news with #IliaTopuria
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Max Holloway: Betting Odds For His Next Opponent After UFC 318
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JULY 19: Max Holloway prepares to face Dustin Poirier in the BMF ... More championship bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC) Max Holloway walked into the Octagon on Saturday with the BMF title around his waist and a 0-2 record against his foe in the UFC 318 main event, Dustin Poirier. After 25 minutes of back-and-forth action, Holloway had the BMF title wrapped around his waist by Lil Wayne, who had walked to the cage with Louisiana native Poirier, after his unanimous decision win over Poirier. With Poirier retiring after UFC 318, most of the talk surrounded Holloway's next fight. We look at who the former UFC featherweight champion, now a full-time lightweight, could face following UFC 318. "I think he's in a great position right now,' UFC CEO Dana White said when asked about Holloway's options after UFC 318. 'He just defended that BMF title, he's ranked No. 4 there [lightweight]When asked if he thought that UFC lightweight champ Ilia Topuria could fight Holloway for the BMF title, White smiled and said, 'Yes, I do.' That fight would be a rematch. Before moving to lightweight to capture the UFC 155-pound title with a knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, Topuria handed Holloway his first career knockout loss, stopping him in the third-round of their UFC 308 matchup. That knockout win was Topuria last fight as a featherweight. Topuria won the title in February 2024 with a knockout win over Alexander Volkanovski. The Holloway win was his only attempted defense of his crown. Topuria is the No. 1 fighter in the official UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Holloway entered UFC 318 as the No. 11 fighter in those rankings. Holloway did call out Topuria in his post-fight interview without using his name. 'A lot of (expletives) are coming after this BMF belt,' Holloway said. 'Come get me! 'And I got some history with the champ. So, UFC, it's your move next, baby.' Holloway also mentioned Charles Oliveira as a potential opponent in his next trip to the Octagon. 'There's also Oliveira, I heard he was yapping saying our first fight was with injuries. He had an injury when we fought. But last time I check, when they did a follow-up and wanted to find what the injury was, there was no injury report on it,' Holloway said on the UFC's About Last Fight. 'They said he was fine. So I have no idea what the (expletive) he is talking about.' Holloway and Oliveira fought in 2015. That fight ended in 69 seconds into the first round when Oliveira suffered an injury. That injury was later revealed to be a micro-tear of Oliveira's esophagus. Holloway has a career record of 27-8. He is 4-1 in his past five outings with his only loss coming to Topuria. He holds many UFC records, including most significant strikes landed (3,655) and most strikes landed (3,907). Odds On Who Max Holloway Will Face Next Charles Oliveira: +210 Ilia Topuria: +300 Arman Tsarukyan: +650 Paddy Pimblett: +650 Alexander Volkanovski: +700 Brian Ortega: +700 Movsar Evloev: +750 Arnold Allen: +850 Aljamain Sterling: +1000 *Odds via Bovada We will have more on Max Holloway and his next opponent when that fight is announced.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Dustin Poirier weighs in on Max Holloway's chances in Ilia Topuria rematch
NEW ORLEANS – Dustin Poirier thinks Max Holloway could do better in a rematch vs. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Poirier (30-10 MMA, 22-9 UFC) lost his retirement fight to BMF champion Holloway in Saturday's UFC 318 headliner at Smoothie King Center. Prior to beating Poirier, Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23- 8 UFC) was knocked out by Topuria for the first time in his career at UFC 308. Holloway was also dropped by Poirier in their fight, and "The Diamond" was asked if he thinks Holloway's chin has now been compromised. "I have a lot of finishes, Gaethje has a lot of finishes, obviously Ilia is knocking everybody out back-to-back," Poirier told MMA Junkie. "It could just be a bad run, it could be time catching up. As he continues, we'll see. It's tough to say because everybody is so different genetically. It's a wild thing to try and pinpoint, but if he starts getting hurt with shots we know would never hurt him three years ago, then we can make that conclusion. I think it's still too early. We need to see him in a few more fights." Holloway could be looking at a rematch with Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) next – an option UFC CEO Dana White did not rule out. If Holloway gets his wish, Poirier pointed to the rematch being at lightweight now instead of featherweight as a key factor. "I think Max would have to change up his approach to the fight," Poirier said. "You know, use his lateral footwork like he did with me, stay on the bike, use his length. But, man, if Ilia lands on anybody – like I said, anybody from 145 to 170, if he lands clean, I think he puts guys out. Maybe Max has a little bit more durability at '55, coming in a little bit healthier, a little bit more hydrated on fight night. Maybe that could play a little bit into him being able to absorb the shots, but we'll see." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dustin Poirier on Max Holloway's chances in Ilia Topuria rematch
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
UFC icon Dustin Poirier retires after defeat by Max Holloway in thrilling trilogy bout
UFC icon Dustin Poirier called time on his mixed martial arts career on Saturday, retiring after a thrilling fight with Max Holloway, who finally beat the lightweight legend at the third time of asking. Poirier had announced months ago that his next fight would be his last, and the end came in his home state of Louisiana, where he challenged Holloway for the 'Baddest Motherf*****' title in the main event of UFC 318. After five thrilling rounds, in which Poirier was dropped twice and Holloway was floored once, the latter retained his belt with scorecards of 48-47, 49-46, 49-46. The victory will have been bittersweet for the Hawaiian, who lost his first two fights against Poirier: his own UFC debut in 2012, and an interim-title fight in 2019. Holloway, 33, paid respect to the 36-year-old after the bout, before Poirier said at the post-fight press conference: 'I wanted to go show I can compete and make it close, to where I can say, 'Look, I'm still at the top of my game. I'm going out because I want to.' 'I wanted it to be a war and a drag-em-out fight.' And it was that. Holloway, a former featherweight champion who has moved up to lightweight, dropped Poirier in round one, before both fighters were floored in the second round. Holloway landed with more volume and consistency down the stretch, securing victory and moving closer to a shot at the lightweight title. That belt is held by Ilia Topuria, who knocked out Holloway in October to retain the featherweight title. Topuria vacated the featherweight gold in February to move up to lightweight, where he won the vacant belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in June. Holloway's fight with Poirier on Saturday (19 July) was his third at lightweight; his first outing at 155lb was his points loss to Poirier in 2019, as the latter claimed the interim title, before Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje last April to win the 'BMF' belt. That knockout, which came in the very last second of a 25-minute contest, is considered by some as the greatest KO in UFC history. Poirier, meanwhile, is deemed by many as the best UFC fighter never to win an undisputed title. After beating Holloway to win the interim lightweight title, he was submitted by regular champion Khabib Nurmagomedov while trying to unify the belts. Poirier holds eight wins over six former MMA world champions, four of whom held UFC titles. Those fighters are Holloway, Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, Michael Chandler and Gaethje. Poirier submitted Holloway in their first fight and also beat Pettis and Chandler via submission, while he knocked out McGregor in one of their three clashes and also stopped Alvarez and Gaethje. Poirier lost his first fight with McGregor at featherweight in 2014, before avenging that result with a knockout of the Irishman in 2021, six months before McGregor suffered a broken leg in their trilogy bout. The 'Diamond', who was accompanied by Louisiana rapper Lil Wayne during his ring walk on Saturday, retires with a professional record of 30-10 (1 No Contest). Often named as one of the UFC's best boxers, Poirier secured 15 of his wins via KO/TKO, while he earned eight by submission.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Holloway retains BMF title as Poirier retires
Max Holloway retained the symbolic BMF title as Dustin Poirier's esteemed career ended in defeat at UFC 318 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Holloway's volume of strikes helped him win an entertaining contest by unanimous decision as he became the first fighter to defend the belt awarded to the UFC's "baddest". Afterwards Holloway called out lightweight champion Ilia Topuria before paying tribute to fellow American Poirier. "I've got some history with the champ. UFC, it's your move next, baby, but I'm done talking," said Holloway. "This is Dustin's retirement fight - give it up to my man." Former interim lightweight champion Poirier, 36, retires as one of the most respected athletes to step foot inside the octagon. After making his UFC debut in 2011, Poirier won 22 of 32 fights and retires as arguably the best fighter to never win an undisputed title. "I'm grateful for this experience and journey. I want to thank (UFC president) Dana White and the UFC for giving a kid a platform to make something of his life, to help keep my family is a safe place," said an emotional Poirier. "I'm forever in debt to the company and mixed martial arts. It's taught me everything I know and I'm just thankful I got to walk this walk." Holloway beats Poirier at third attempt The bout concludes the pair's epic rivalry after Poirier's victories in 2012 and 2019. After suffering defeat for the lightweight title in his most recent fight against Islam Makhachev in 2024, Poirier said Holloway would be his final bout. Poirier, accompanied by rapper Lil Wayne, was greeted by a rousing reception in front of his home crowd as he skipped his way towards the octagon. Holloway - as he called for before the fight out of respect to Poirier - was booed on his walkout, before making a fast start when the fight got under way. After mixing up his leg strikes and punches well, Holloway dropped Poirier with a straight right in a confident first round. Holloway remained in control in the second round as he knocked Poirier down again, before the momentum shifted. With seconds of the round remaining, Poirier landed a one-two punch combination which dropped Holloway, before the bell saved him from more damage on the ground. The action continued to go back and forth - Holloway landed longer combinations but Poirier's strikes appeared more damaging - before the crowd rose to their feet in anticipation of the final round. With 10 seconds to go Holloway pointed to the ground in trademark fashion, inviting the pair to stand and trade. Holloway knocked Justin Gaethje out in similar fashion last year and, although he got the better of the exciting exchange, Poirier survived until the final bell. The pair embraced in respect as Holloway kissed Poirier on the forehead before sharing a few words. "Max is tough to deal with in here. He's slick; he's crafty; he's fast; he's the champ. I got nothing but respect for Max - he's one of the good guys," said Poirier. "I've been chasing my dreams - it's been incredible. I'm a kid living his dream out here, throwing punches, throwing knees. It's incredible." Poirier's win over Holloway in 2019 for the interim lightweight belt remains the only UFC championship he won. He lost three undisputed title fights - against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Makhachev - but retires with a glittering resume regardless. He got the better of his trilogy with Conor McGregor - he is the only fighter to knock him out, in 2021 - and has iconic victories over Dan Hooker, Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez. 'Truly one of the greatest' - what fighters said Islam Makhachev on X: "Congratulations, Dustin. You're truly one of the greatest to ever step into the cage. It was an honor and a privilege to share it with you." Jorge Masvidal on X: "Congrats on an awesome career Dustin! It's been great sharing this journey with you. Thanks for all the good times and everything you brought to the team. Enjoy retirement, you've more than earned it." Jon Jones on X: "I thought Dustin's performance was amazing. He definitely still has it. But it's good to see him walk away just because he wants to. That needs to become normalised in the future. Sick of fighters getting to the point of mumbling." Belal Muhammad on X: "Paid in full. Dustin is a legend. Amazing career." MMA schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode More MMA from the BBC Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Holloway retains BMF title as Poirier retires
Max Holloway retained the symbolic BMF title as Dustin Poirier's esteemed career ended in defeat at UFC 318 in New Orleans, volume of strikes helped him win an entertaining contest by unanimous decision as he became the first fighter to defend the belt awarded to the UFC's "baddest".Afterwards Holloway called out lightweight champion Ilia Topuria before paying tribute to fellow American Poirier."I've got some history with the champ. UFC, it's your move next, baby, but I'm done talking," said Holloway."This is Dustin's retirement fight - give it up to my man." Former interim lightweight champion Poirier, 36, retires as one of the most respected athletes to step foot inside the making his UFC debut in 2011, Poirier won 22 of 32 fights and retires as arguably the best fighter to never win an undisputed title."I'm grateful for this experience and journey. I want to thank (UFC president) Dana White and the UFC for giving a kid a platform to make something of his life, to help keep my family is a safe place," said an emotional Poirier."I'm forever in debt to the company and mixed martial arts. It's taught me everything I know and I'm just thankful I got to walk this walk." Holloway beats Poirier at third attempt The bout concludes the pair's epic rivalry after Poirier's victories in 2012 and suffering defeat for the lightweight title in his most recent fight against Islam Makhachev in 2024, Poirier said Holloway would be his final accompanied by rapper Lil Wayne, was greeted by a rousing reception in front of his home crowd as he skipped his way towards the - as he called for before the fight out of respect to Poirier - was booed on his walkout, before making a fast start when the fight got under mixing up his leg strikes and punches well, Holloway dropped Poirier with a straight right in a confident first remained in control in the second round as he knocked Poirier down again, before the momentum seconds of the round remaining, Poirier landed a one-two punch combination which dropped Holloway, before the bell saved him from more damage on the ground. The action continued to go back and forth - Holloway landed longer combinations but Poirier's strikes appeared more damaging - before the crowd rose to their feet in anticipation of the final 10 seconds to go Holloway pointed to the ground in trademark fashion, inviting the pair to stand and knocked Justin Gaethje out in similar fashion last year and, although he got the better of the exciting exchange, Poirier survived until the final pair embraced in respect as Holloway kissed Poirier on the forehead before sharing a few words."Max is tough to deal with in here. He's slick; he's crafty; he's fast; he's the champ. I got nothing but respect for Max - he's one of the good guys," said Poirier."I've been chasing my dreams - it's been incredible. I'm a kid living his dream out here, throwing punches, throwing knees. It's incredible."Poirier's win over Holloway in 2019 for the interim lightweight belt remains the only UFC championship he lost three undisputed title fights - against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira and Makhachev - but retires with a glittering resume got the better of his trilogy with Conor McGregor - he is the only fighter to knock him out, in 2021 - and has iconic victories over Dan Hooker, Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez. 'Truly one of the greatest' - what fighters said Islam Makhachev on X: , external"Congratulations, Dustin. You're truly one of the greatest to ever step into the cage. It was an honor and a privilege to share it with you."Jorge Masvidal on X:, external "Congrats on an awesome career Dustin! It's been great sharing this journey with you. Thanks for all the good times and everything you brought to the team. Enjoy retirement, you've more than earned it."Jon Jones on X: , external"I thought Dustin's performance was amazing. He definitely still has it. But it's good to see him walk away just because he wants to. That needs to become normalised in the future. Sick of fighters getting to the point of mumbling."Belal Muhammad on X:, external "Paid in full. Dustin is a legend. Amazing career."
