“One Good Fight” – Dana White’s ‘Early’ Booking of Dustin Poirier’s Retirement Fight Card Leaves Fans in Disgust

UFC fans aren't happy with Dana White for boring matchmaking for Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway III, UFC 318 fight card.

“One Good Fight” – Dana White’s ‘Early’ Booking of Dustin Poirier’s Retirement Fight Card Leaves Fans in Disgust

Dana White gets flak for underwhelming Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway card (via Imago/X)

As the leading MMA promotion, the UFC constantly faces high fan expectations, especially when Dana White promotes major pay-per-view events. Despite consistently delivering stacked cards, the UFC sometimes falls short, leaving fans disappointed by the lack of anticipated matchups or rivalries. UFC 318, featuring Dustin Poirier versus Max Holloway, was recently announced, but has failed to excite fans as expected.

Last year, Poirier almost retired after losing to Islam Makhachev in a lightweight title fight that ended emotionally. Surprisingly, Poirier has returned for one last dance, and a bout with fellow legend Holloway seemed like a perfect matchup. However, when UFC officially revealed the entire UFC 318 card in New Orleans, fans responded with disappointment.

Besides Holloway versus Poirier, the co-main event features a middleweight clash between Marvin Vettori and rising contender Brendan Allen. Another middleweight fight includes Ikram Aliskerov taking on powerful striker Brunno Ferreira in a matchup with serious knockout potential. Veteran welterweights Gunnar Nelson and Neil Magny are also scheduled to compete, adding experience to the UFC 318 lineup.

While these fights show potential, fans are concerned by the lack of star power, expecting a more stacked and thrilling event. In contrast, UFC 317 boasts big names beyond its title headliner between Ilia Topuria and former champion Charles Oliveira. That card also includes elite fighters like Alexandre Pantoja, Renato Moicano, Manel Kape, Paulo Costa, and several other well-known fan-favorite UFC stars.

It seems like, due to the International Fight Week, UFC has given much more thought to UFC 317 and neglected UFC 318. It would be interesting to see whether these fights and our incredible fights can prove the fans wrong. Regardless, the main event BMF title bout is already expected to be an absolute banger, given the history of Poirier and Holloway.

Fans react to Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier fight card at UFC 318

Last year at UFC 300, Max Holloway gave fight fans one of the most iconic and thrilling moments in the history of combat sports. His last-second knockout against Justin Gaethje went extremely viral, making Holloway a superstar. However, later in October, the fighter got brutally knocked out by Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title bout.

Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 236
Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier at UFC 236 (via MMA Fighting)

Fans are excited to see Poirier return after suffering his first knockout loss, curious about how he’ll bounce back. However, many hoped the UFC 318 card would match that energy, making the build-up to the main event more thrilling. Following the underwhelming card, fan reactions flooded social media, and the outrage was evident.

As expected, many fans weren’t satisfied with the fight card and suggested that it should have been a Fight Night instead of a PPV. Many showed frustration over Dustin Poirier going out of the UFC with such a card. On the other hand, many are just excited about the main event and nothing else.

Poirier is widely considered the best UFC fighter to never capture undisputed gold, despite coming painfully close on multiple occasions. He has fought for the championship three times but was submitted each time, leaving his fans heartbroken. Though this bout could mark his retirement, coach Mike Brown recently told MMA Fighting there are still some lingering hopes.

I mean, I think so. You can never say never, but he’s done really well for himself. He’s made a boatload of money. He doesn’t need to fight. So it would have to be something pretty enticing. I mean, that could always happen, but I think he’s content with his accomplishments and content with the money he has made and what he’s done.

For Poirier to potentially make a comeback, he needs to win against Max Holloway, which is not an easy task. Both veterans are well known for their boxing and durability, which could result in a long fight. While a knockout finish is not in question, it’s definitely going to be a war that fans would cherish.

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