Max Holloway, often lauded for his unwavering fighting spirit and captivating performances, once again delivered a memorable spectacle in the Octagon at UFC 318. His third encounter with long-time rival Dustin Poirier served as the main event, culminating in a decisive victory for “Blessed” and, notably, sending Poirier into retirement. Despite the dramatic conclusion to a storied trilogy, Holloway finds himself in a rather peculiar position: questioning why his five-round war wasn`t deemed worthy of the coveted “Fight of the Night” bonus.
The Post-Fight Peculiarity: Where Was the Bonus?
The fight itself was a testament to both men`s tenacity. Poirier, known for his relentless pressure, pushed Holloway to his limits, even in what would be his final professional bout. Yet, the anticipated post-fight accolades for such a high-stakes, thrilling main event mysteriously eluded them. Instead, the “Fight of the Night” honor, and the substantial bonus money that accompanies it, was awarded to a preliminary bout between Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori.
Holloway, with a characteristic blend of humor and genuine bewilderment, didn`t shy away from expressing his disbelief. “How the hell did we not get Fight of the Night?” he queried, directing his sentiment, perhaps playfully, toward UFC CEO Dana White. It’s a recurring theme in combat sports: the subjective nature of post-fight bonuses, often leaving both fighters and fans scratching their heads. While the Allen-Vettori bout was undeniably competitive, the consensus among many was that the main event, a trilogy closer between two legends, held a unique narrative and intensity that should have been recognized.
The “Spoiler” Saga: A Legacy of Grand Farewells
Beyond the bonus contention, Holloway`s recent victory over Poirier adds another chapter to a distinctive element of his career: becoming the final opponent for celebrated legends. Just last year, Holloway squared off against South Korean fan favorite Chan Sung Jung, affectionately known as “The Korean Zombie.” That fight also ended with Holloway delivering a powerful knockout in the third round, marking Jung`s retirement from the sport.
This unusual pattern highlights Holloway`s position at the pinnacle of the sport, where his opponents are often titans of their divisions. More profoundly, Holloway consistently articulates deep respect for these adversaries. “It sucks to do it against a man like him,” Holloway reflected on fighting Poirier, echoing similar sentiments about Jung. His appreciation extends beyond their fighting prowess, acknowledging them as “great human beings” and expressing “nothing but love and respect.” It’s a testament to Holloway’s character that even in victory, especially when it signifies the end of a peer’s career, he maintains a profound sense of camaraderie and admiration.
A Career Defined by “Moments”
Holloway`s journey through the UFC lightweight division is a canvas painted with indelible moments. His move up to 155 pounds has been nothing short of spectacular. At UFC 300 in April 2024, he delivered one of the most astonishing knockouts in recent memory, flooring Justin Gaethje in the final second of their “BMF” title fight. That highlight-reel finish, a definitive “moment,” propelled him into contention, albeit for the featherweight title against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
That encounter with Topuria, however, brought a harsh reality check, as Holloway suffered the first knockout loss of his career. Yet, true to his spirit, he has bounced back with characteristic resilience. Holloway understands the ebb and flow of a fighter’s journey and remains steadfast in his pursuit of significant moments rather than merely accumulating wins.
The Lightweight Labyrinth: Paths to Glory
Now, with two consecutive wins at 155 pounds, including the triumph over Poirier, Holloway is firmly entrenched in the lightweight division`s upper echelon. The landscape is ripe with intriguing possibilities. Ilia Topuria, who once defeated Holloway, now holds the UFC lightweight title. A rematch, potentially for the undisputed belt, looms as a compelling narrative.
Holloway, ever the professional, remains open to all challenges. “If it`s Ilia, it`s Ilia. If it`s the guy that he just beat, Oliveira, I have history with him,” he stated, referencing Charles Oliveira, another formidable lightweight contender. The entire top 10 of the lightweight division presents a myriad of “fun fights” for Holloway, each offering the potential for another career-defining “moment.”
Conclusion: A Champion`s Enduring Quest
Max Holloway`s journey is far from over. Despite the bonus snub—a minor, albeit irritating, footnote to an otherwise stellar performance—his focus remains on creating unforgettable moments and cementing his legacy. From gracefully sending legends into retirement to navigating the treacherous waters of two elite divisions, “Blessed” continues to embody the spirit of a true martial artist. The Octagon awaits his next defining moment, and fans eagerly anticipate which chapter he will write next in his remarkable career.
