After losing the first pair of meetings in February 2012 and April 2019, Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) was determined not to let Poirier (30-10 MMA, 22-9 UFC) sweep their series in his exit from the sport on Saturday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

ESPN MMA reporter Brett Okamoto plays matchmaker and predicts the next move for Max Holloway and other stars from UFC 318.

Holloway was arguably the most appropriate choice for Poirier's retirement fight. Holloway made his UFC debut against Poirier in 2012, and they fought for the interim lightweight title in 2019. By winning, Holloway redeemed his two prior losses to Poirier.