When the UFC officially confirmed Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 as the main event for UFC 318, fans and pundits were divided. ‘The Diamond’ already has two wins over Holloway, and a trilogy usually requires a split score to justify a third fight. So, why run it again? Is it simply romanticism around Poirier’s final fight? Is there something more to this clash that people are missing? For Daniel Cormier, it is not only justified but also compelling. And he thinks most people are looking at it the wrong way.
Cormier recently took to his YouTube channel and explained his reasoning, which is founded on the progression of fighters over time. He didn’t just talk about Holloway’s career; he also mentioned how the man we see today is unrecognizable from the one who debuted against Poirier in 2013 and fought him again in 2019. Max Holloway was too inexperienced the first time and physically unprepared the second. ‘DC’ said, “The first time Max Holloway fought, he was far too young—he didn’t really know what he was doing in the UFC.” He further added, “At that time, Max Holloway was still a little small for 155—that’s where the ‘pudgy Max’ came from. If you remember in that fight, Max went up in weight, but his body didn’t really change. He just looked like he put on weight.”
Now? He’s an accomplished fighter, older and stronger, and fresh off one of the most thrilling knockouts of 2024 against Justin Gaethje for the BMF title. According to Cormier, this ‘Blessed’ is not the same person Poirier defeated twice. Daniel Cormier used personal experiences to illustrate his message. He’s fought Anthony Johnson twice, Jon Jones twice, and Stipe Miocic three times, but he never felt like he was facing the same version of each. There has always been something unique, whether physical, mental, or strategic. He stated, “I’m a guy that was in multiple rematches—I fought Anthony Johnson twice, I fought Jon Jones twice, and I fought Stipe Miocic three times. I don’t know that I ever fought the same guy twice. Same name, sure—but I don’t know that I ever fought the same fighter twice. They were always different.” This is what makes rematches unpredictable. It isn’t about the name; it’s about who appears in the cage. In Holloway’s situation, ‘DC’ believes that while the name on the fight card is the same, the fighter standing opposite ‘The Diamond’ in New Orleans won’t be familiar.
MMA: UFC 291 – Poirier vs Gaethje Jul 29, 2023 Salt Lake City, Utah, USA Dustin Poirier red gloves fights Justin Gaethje blue gloves during UFC 291 at Delta Center. Salt Lake City Delta Center Utah USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJeffxSwingerx 20230729_szo_si8_0355
The emotional stakes are sky-high with Dustin Poirier hinting at retirement and fighting in front of a hometown crowd in Louisiana. But this is more than just a farewell. Max Holloway is out to rewrite history and prove that the third time is a charm. Poirier wants to leave the sport on his own terms by defeating Holloway in a fashion he hasn’t seen before. Legacy, pride, and the BMF title are all at stake, making this so-called “unnecessary trilogy” one of the year’s most anticipated fights. However, it is worth noting that the same Cormier who wants the fight to happen also revealed how the UFC might get hurt if ‘The Diamond’ won the BMF title.
Daniel Cormier warns the UFC of massive ‘danger’ if Dustin Poirier wins the fight
With emotions running high and Dustin Poirier looking for a fairytale ending in front of his home audience, the UFC 318 main event feels like something out of a movie. However, just as the story is about to reach a perfect farewell, Daniel Cormier has slowed it down. As he sees it, this is more than simply a feel-good finale or a struggle for legacy; it is a scenario loaded with real risk for the UFC. In Cormier’s opinion, ‘The Diamond’ winning the BMF title and retiring is more than just a great ending; it might jeopardize the belt’s future and raise real questions about what Dana White is ready to give up to celebrate a veteran’s final dance.
Poirier has made it clear that he has no more title runs in him. He’s not eyeing Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, or any other fighter rising through the lightweight ranks. He’s got three chances at UFC gold and does not want a fourth. This marks the end of the road. That means that if he walks away with the BMF belt in New Orleans, the UFC may find itself in an awkward position: a title with no champion, contender, or true future. It’s not the lightweight or welterweight belt that can just be slotted in with rankings and a top contender fight. The BMF title is based on spectacle, and spectacle does not wait around. Daniel Cormier said, “Dana White, Hunter Campbell, it is a retirement fight, and loser leaves town. Essentially, a loser leaves town match. Dustin Poirier leaves town. He takes the belt with him. That’s it. BMF title is gone.”
Cormier’s worry goes beyond merely optics. If ‘The Diamond’ rides off into the sunset wearing the BMF strap, it may validate every critic who has ever dubbed the championship a gimmick. A belt designed to represent grit, aggression, and game-changing moments would disappear with a fighter who no longer intends to fight. Perhaps it’s a poetic ending, but it’s also a logistical headache. ‘DC’ may “love the BMF title,” but love cannot undo the damage if the belt goes to ‘The Diamond.’ For all the joy that may follow a Dustin Poirier victory, there is just as much danger lurking underneath. The UFC may have a flawless goodbye while also losing a fan-favorite title. What do you think? Do you agree with Daniel Cormier? Let us know in the comments.
The post Daniel Cormier Drags in Jon Jones & Others to Justify UFC’s Unprecedented Move With Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway Trilogy appeared first on EssentiallySports.
