When two titans of mixed martial arts step into the octagon, especially for a symbolic title like the BMF belt, the expectation is not merely for a contest, but for a spectacle. At UFC 318, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier delivered precisely that: a five-round war of attrition, skill, and sheer grit. Yet, sometimes, even a masterpiece fails to secure its due recognition, leading to reactions that underscore the often-subjective nature of post-fight accolades.
The Post-Fight Disbelief: A Question of Value
The air backstage, usually thick with adrenaline and relief, held a palpable undercurrent of disbelief for Max Holloway. Having just emerged from a grueling BMF title defense against Dustin Poirier, a bout that saw both men touch the canvas, “Blessed” discovered that their collective effort had not earned the coveted $50,000 “Fight of the Night” bonus. The recipient, instead, was the preliminary card clash between Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori.
In newly released footage, the Hawaiian maestro of striking could be seen expressing his profound dissatisfaction to Poirier. “Bro, how did we not get Fight of the Night?” Holloway queried, a rhetorical question laden with genuine bewilderment. His frustration quickly escalated, with a pointed, if not entirely serious, directive towards his opponent: “No, it’s some bulls—, go tell f—ing Dana. Tell him he’s the f—ing man, kiss his a–. They gave it to freaking Allen and Vettori.”
Poirier, seemingly in agreement but perhaps less inclined to offer an immediate critique of UFC President Dana White, could only manage a few interjections amidst Holloway`s eloquent rant. “I don’t even know,” Holloway continued, exasperated. “We almost finished each other in the same damn round! What the hell, bro?” It was a succinct summary of a fight that, for many observers, embodied the very spirit of the “Fight of the Night” award: a relentless, back-and-forth encounter where victory hung precariously in the balance.
A Legacy of Bonuses and a Concluding Chapter
Holloway`s outburst is not merely the petulance of a fighter missing out on a bonus; it’s the frustration of an athlete whose career has been defined by delivering unforgettable performances. Between them, Holloway and Poirier boast an astonishing 28 performance bonuses, a testament to their consistent ability to entertain and engage audiences. For such a decorated pair, one might assume the collective expectation was for a bonus check with an extra zero.
Their UFC 318 showdown was more than just a fight; it was the culminating chapter of an epic trilogy. Their first encounter in February 2012 saw Poirier secure a first-round submission, a distant memory from their formative years in the sport. Seven years later, in April 2019, they clashed again for the interim lightweight title. Holloway, then the featherweight champion, moved up a division, but struggled with the weight and was ultimately overpowered by Poirier over five rounds.
The UFC 318 bout, however, was different. With proper preparation and a focused strategy, Holloway stepped into the cage a more formidable lightweight. This final dance, fought for the symbolic BMF title—which Holloway had famously captured from Justin Gaethje at UFC 300—saw him hit a rhythm that ultimately secured him the victory and, arguably, the definitive word in their storied rivalry.
While the $50,000 bonus undoubtedly holds practical value for any professional athlete, Holloway`s vocal disappointment transcends mere financial considerations. It speaks to a deeper desire for recognition of the artistic and gladiatorial efforts expended. Despite the official decision, the Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier trilogy at UFC 318 will be remembered by many as an undeniable classic, a testament to two of the sport`s greatest competitors, regardless of whether a bonus check accompanied its conclusion.
Gareth Pendleton