Waianae's Max Holloway is set to face Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, marking the first time Holloway has defended his UFC "BMF" belt.
The lightweight bout between Holloway (26-8) and Poirier (30-9) will take place in New Orleans, Poirier's home state. Poirier 36, said publicly that he intends to retire after the fight.
UFC 318 will mark the first time that Holloway, 33, has fought since losing to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 26, 2024, the first knockout loss of his career.
Prior to that bout, Holloway won the BMF belt over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 on April 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, securing a knockout with one second remaining.
Holloway and Poirier have previously faced each other twice, with Poirier winning both matchups.
On Feb. 4, 2012, Holloway made his UFC debut against Poirier, losing via submission.
Seven years later, Holloway faced Poirier for the interim lightweight championship belt on April 13, 2019, losing to Poirier via unanimous decision.
Christian Shimabuku can be reached at christian@alohastatedaily.com.
