No real title on the line? No problem. Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier gave it at their all at UFC 236 on Saturday night.
UFC 236 has come and gone. With Dustin Poirier taking the new interim lightweight title, there are major things on the horizon for the division. Poirier is sure to get a fight with current lightweight champ, Khabib Nurmagomedov, after his suspension is up. Max Holloway isn’t done at lightweight either.
But Poirier was the man of the hour when all was said and done. He’ll move on to face Khabib, barring injury or illness (UFC President Dana White confirmed as much at the UFC 236 post-fight press conference, following the event). It wasn’t easy, as the Hawaiian featherweight refused to go quietly. Instead, the two traded fire for a full five rounds, managing to equal the thrilling co-main event between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum.
Twitter, and especially the pros, had plenty to say during and following the bout. See some of the top reactionsbelow.
Twitter Reactions to Holloway-Poirier
For me this fight tonight is a pure pick em . To me The key to victory tonight will be an intangible ( hunger , focus , attitude) rather than skill set mixed with great coaching and strategy. Good luck to both Warriors 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) April 14, 2019
No one should lose this one.
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) April 14, 2019
Media Gets Their Say
Huge Poirier round in the first! #UFC236
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) April 14, 2019
Welcome to 155, Mr. Holloway. Dustin Poirier can THUMP. Holloway needs to use his feet a lot more to evade. Poirier doing everything right. He is completely dialed in.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) April 14, 2019
I think Dustin Poirier rallied enough to win that second round too. His shots are just so much heavier than Holloway's. 20-17 Poirier after two.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 14, 2019
Really Ridiculous
The chin on these two guys is ridiculous! #UFC236
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
5th round! I can watch these two fight every Saturday #ufc236
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) April 14, 2019
Best back to back fights in UFC history. My goodness. #UFC236
— David Bixenspan (@davidbix) April 14, 2019
Official: Dustin Poirier def. Max Holloway via unanimous decision (49-46 x3). He wins the interim lightweight title.
After 23 UFC fights, Poirier is a finally a UFC champ.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 14, 2019
Dustin Poirier to Khabib Nurmagomedov:
"In the words of Daniel Cormier, get your shit together young man, we got a belt to fight for." #UFC236
— Damon Martin (@DamonMartin) April 14, 2019
So happy for @DustinPoirier for that incredible performance and for becoming the belt! Congratulations 🍾 🎉 job well done!
— Andrea Lee (@AndreaKGBLee) April 14, 2019
What a night of @ufc fights, props to all you warriors!! 💪🏼
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 14, 2019
Congrats @DustinPoirier Way To Work Kid- 💯 💪🦁 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 Champ Shit Only pic.twitter.com/py06zFMLvD
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) April 14, 2019
Amazing main event fights. How fighting should be!
Max you are insanely tough!
Please rest up now young Uce, you are a warrior head to toe!
A champion FOREVER.
Congratulations Dustin on a much deserved UFC title to your career.
It is Nate next for you like previously scheduled.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 14, 2019
And, of course, one from the champ:
I don’t agree with the judges 49:46, I got a draw, my respect to both fighters, and Porier’s achievement so far cannot be denied, my congratulations Dustin, see you in September. 🦅 vs 💎
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 14, 2019
