UFC 318: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier: Live round-by-round updates

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier will meet for the third and final time in the main event of UFC 318 in New Orleans. Their rivalry has spanned over a decade, with the first meeting in 2012 when Holloway debuted in the UFC as a 20-year-old prospect. Poirier submitted him in the first round.

Seven years later, they fought again for the interim lightweight title. That bout turned into a five-round war, with Poirier winning a unanimous decision to claim the interim lightweight gold.

Now they meet once more at UFC 318, and Poirier has confirmed this will be his final fight. Meanwhile, Holloway returns to lightweight after suffering a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at featherweight. He still carries the BMF title and will become the first fighter to defend it if he wins.

Poirier, fighting in Louisiana for the last time, has the edge in the series. But he has also absorbed tremendous damage in recent wars.

Holloway remains one of the most durable fighters in the sport. His striking volume, cardio, and heart are rarely matched. Poirier remains the cleaner puncher and the more dangerous finisher. If the fight gets into the trenches, it could come down to grit.

UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN2, ESPN+, and Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Meanwhile, the main card will air on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:

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Round 1

Poirier operates out of his signature southpaw stance and tries to attack with the left straight. A lot of movement from Holloway as he starts working the body and lead leg early. Holloway drops Poirier with a one-two combination and swarms in for the finish. Poirier fires back with a three-punch combination. Holloway tries the spinning kick and staggers Poirier with a kick to the body. Good straight left from Poirier. Solid jabs from Poirier. Holloway is penetrating through the guard of Poirier with ease. Good four-punch combination from Holloway. Stomp kicks from Holloway to the lead leg. A solid round for the Hawaiian.

Our Score: 10-9 Holloway

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Round 2

Poirier is pressuring Holloway against the cage. He's circling to attack with a right hook to the left straight. Holloway is doing a great job of mixing his attack and not allowing any room for Poirier to settle in the fight. Strong jabs from Poirier. Holloway snaps Poirier's head back with a straight right and three-punch combination. He swarms in for the finish, and Poirier is trying to survive. Holloway is on top of Poirier, now raining down punches. Up kicks from Poirier and Holloway invites the fight back on the feet. Poirier fires back with a two-punch combination now. Good consequential shots from Poirier. The American fighter drops Holloway with a right hook, swarms in for the finish, and hunts the guillotine. What a round!

Our Score: 10-9 Holloway (20-18 overall)

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Round 3

Holloway starts the fight with a straight kick to the body. Poirier misses with the one-two combination. He looks comfortable in the exchanges now. Snapping left hand from Poirier. Holloway slips Poieir's punches and lands a solid body kick. Good calf kicks from him. Poirier is doubling on the jabs. Quick one-two combination from Holloway. He's stringing together combinations and a beautiful sequence with a four-punch combination. Poirier is struggling with output. Poirier hurts Holloway with a solid left hand, but an accidental eye poke derails the momentum. Poirier lands four jabs and makes sure Holloway knows the count! This fight is as animated as it gets.

Our Score: 10-9 Holloway (30-27 overall)

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Round 4

Holloway attacks the body with jabs. Double jab and a right hand from Holloway. Snapping left hand from Poirier. They exchange big combinations in range, and Poirier is picking up the pace now. Strong right hook from Poirier. Left hook to the body and an uppercut from Holloway. Poirier is struggling in moments to let the second phase of his attacks go due to Holloway's movement. Good combination from Holloway and a good left hand in response from Poirier. Strong exchanges in the pocket. This is Holloway's fight so far! Poirier hurts Holloway with a right hand.

Our Score: 10-9 Holloway (40-36 overall)

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Round 5

Holloway attacks with double jabs and straight rights to the body. Left hook off the center from Holloway. Poirier is pressuring Holloway now recognizing that he's down on the scorecards. Poirier is switching up the footwork for a modified hook after the jabs. Good body kick from Holloway, and Poirier acknowledges it. Straight left hand from Poirier. A counter right hand from Holloway after an overhand right from Poirier. Beautiful body kicks and straight rights from Holloway. Poirier lands a strong left hand. Down the stretch we go into the final 30 seconds. Holloway points down to the ground and gets the better of the exchange.

Our Score: 10-9 Holloway (50-45 overall)

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Official Result

Max Holloway defeats Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, and 49-46)