UFC lightweight Max Holloway is hoping to play spoiler for Dustin Poirier’s retirement bout at UFC 318 on Saturday night in the latter’s home state of Louisiana.
“I was telling DC (Daniel Cormier) I hope my ass get booed,” Holloway told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“This is his last dance, he’s representing home state, boo my ass. If we was in Hawaii I’m pretty sure Hawaiians would be booing whoever I’m walking against.”
Holloway (26-8) steps into the octagon into his new weight class in the main event of UFC 318 against Poirier. ‘The Diamond’ will be making his last walk to the octagon on Saturday night.
“I want to play spoiler. That’s what I do. It sucks it’s him, but like I said man I was 4-0 when I fought this man first time. I was on a 13-fight win streak second time. He did me dirty so I guess I got to do him dirty in his retirement fight,” he said.
It’s not all about Poirier this weekend. Holloway’s made his way to 155 permanently now with his sights set on a rematch with new lightweight champ Ilia Topuria. Topuria finished Holloway at UFC 308 in his only 145 title defense.
A win over Poirier would be huge for Holloway towards a title shot in his new division. If he pulled something crazy, say last-second KO like he did at UFC 300 over Justin Gaethje, he may be able to jump the line to a title shot next.
“It’s all about moments. If I go out there, have a 300 moment, bro I’m right there for a title shot. If it’s not for a title shot then I’m right there for a #1 contender shot whoever it may be,” said Holloway.
“First things first as always Dustin.”
This isn’t the first time Holloway is matched up with a retiring fighter. He stood opposite of The Korean Zombie in Singapore in 2023 spoiling the last fight for Chang Sung Jung with a third round KO.
“It’s an honor. He’s a legend. Talking about Korean Zombie he actually flew me out. We did a bunch of stuff in Korea. Seminars, meet-and-greets, and we got to do his Zombie Fight League. He actually flying out for this one. I became close with him and his family and his wife. It’s amazing. With Dustin it’s an honor, and maybe we can build a friendship like that too,” he said.
Holloway isn’t far from his own ‘last fight’. Could we see him get the hometown treatment the way Zombie and Poirier have?
“UFC Hawaii, is it ever going to happen, I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Holloway said.
“But the next best thing is Las Vegas baby. The 9th island. If I can get it there I’ll be happy.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Max Holloway above. He headlines UFC 318 opposite Dustin Poirier for the BMF title on Saturday night.
