Dana White gets major request from Dustin Poirier to bring back ‘PRIDE’ rules for Max Holloway fight

UFC lightweight legend Dustin Poirier wants to fight Max Holloway at UFC 318 with old ‘Pride’ rules to add more thrill.

Dana White gets major request from Dustin Poirier to bring back ‘PRIDE’ rules for Max Holloway fight

Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway may have an old-school MMA battle if things go to plan (via Imago)

From blood-soaked origins with few rules, MMA evolved through structure and discipline, largely shaped by UFC’s global influence and standardized regulations. Yet, within this modern framework, warriors like Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway fight for legacy, driven by pride and not financial compensation. Their upcoming BMF clash symbolizes ‘the baddest of them all’ putting on a war for the fan base.

Standing on the fence about his retirement plans, Poirier decided to come back for one last dance against his old rival. Poirier vs. Holloway has been finalized and will take place at UFC 318 in Louisiana, serving as Poirier’s last fight. Ahead of the fight, ‘Diamond’ has suggested bringing more thrill to the fight by bringing back old Pride rules.

Let’s go really far back, let’s do a 10-minute first round and you judge the fight as a whole, not round-by-round. At the end of every fight, I would rather the judge say, ‘Which guy would you rather be walking out of the Octagon?’ Every time there’s a BMF title fight, 10-minute first round, fights judged as a whole, soccer kicks allowed.

Dustin Poirier via The Ariel Helwani Show

Pride’s 10-minute first round allowed fighters like Wanderlei Silva to overwhelm opponents early with brutal knees, stomps, and relentless pressure. Unlike UFC’s five-minute rounds, this format gave dominant fighters more time to finish fights without judges interrupting the natural course of action. Fighters like Shogun Rua used the extended time to deliver brutal ground-and-pound, making fights more decisive and less dependent on scoring.

The longer round exposed fighters with poor cardio, and led to raw, unforgiving battles rarely seen in UFC. Both Poirier and Holloway are well known for their cardio and toughness that they have shown inside the octagon. If CEO Dana White gives the green light, fans might be able to see a fight that will be remembered for years.

UFC veteran predicts Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 

Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway first fought in 2012, where debutant Holloway lost via submission in the very first round. They rematched in 2019 for the interim lightweight title, and Poirier won again, outstriking Holloway in a brutal five-round war. Despite their fierce wars, both fighters share deep mutual respect, praising each other’s grit and commitment to fighting.

Dustin Poirier might lose against Max Holloway next
Dustin Poirier might lose against Max Holloway next (via MMA Fighting)

However, this time, Holloway has the biggest chance to take his revenge against the former interim lightweight champion. At the age of 36, Poirier has become old and might not have the same tenacity and pressure. Despite his last performance at UFC 302, where he went toe-to-toe with Islam Makhachev, there are still some doubts.

It’s tricky, isn’t it, because Dustin Poirier has beaten him (Max Holloway) twice….Where Poirier was a few years older with more experience. Now, Poirier is 36, with a lot of miles on the clock, which is why having his final fight. You start to slow down the wear and the tear! The injuries and surgeries. Now, the fact is, Max is the younger guy that’s gonna help him. 

Michael Bisping via YouTube channel 

Against the pound-for-pound king, Poirier put out a performance that was not expected from a veteran nearing the end. But later, he announced his impending retirement, leaving fans surprised by his decision after such a strong and determined showing inside the octagon. Unlike many who fight at old age, Poirier has no intentions to continue fighting without belts and meaningful stakes.

On the other hand, Holloway is coming off a loss to former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria — his first knockout defeat. Despite that setback, the Hawaiian’s resilience remains unshaken, still hungry to prove himself against the toughest names in the sport. With the BMF title on the line, this clash between two legendary warriors promises violence and a legacy-defining moment.

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