Dustin Poirier Wife’s Serious Warning Before Facing Max Holloway: “Don’t Do It”

UFC legend Dustin Poirier reveals his wife's strategy when facing Max Holloway in the final seconds of their UFC 318 trilogy fight.

Dustin Poirier Wife’s Serious Warning Before Facing Max Holloway: “Don’t Do It”

Dustin's Poirier's wife asked him to avoid Max Holloway's signature move (via MMA Fighting)

Max Holloway’s stand-and-bang style has become a highlight of his fights, known for fast-paced striking. In the final 10 seconds, he often points to the ground, usually leading to knockouts or heavy exchanges. At UFC 318, Dustin Poirier partially engaged in this tactic when the Hawaiian native pointed down. He recently revealed that his wife, Jolie Poirier, had advised him not to respond if Holloway performed it.

The UFC 318 clash was the third fight between Holloway and Poirier, completing their trilogy dating back to 2012. Poirier had won both of the previous meetings, including a unanimous decision in 2019 and a submission win at UFC 143. At the Smoothie King Center, Holloway earned his first victory over Poirier by unanimous decision. The bout also served as The Diamond’s final fight before he retired from MMA.

One of Max Holloway’s career highlights came at UFC 300 against Justin Gaethje. ‘Blessed’ was ahead on the scorecards but took a risk in the final round by standing in the center of the octagon. He landed a decisive overhand right, knocking Gaethje flat on his back just before the bell. Poirier recently referenced this moment when explaining his wife’s advice not to engage with Holloway’s signature tactic.

I knew it was coming, but when he started pointing down, I was like, ‘Hold on, let me check the clock. There are 10 seconds?’ I didn’t hear the clap. I don’t want to point down with 20 seconds left. I’m thinking of Justin Gaethje, lying face down. My wife told me too, the night before. ‘When he points down, don’t do it.’ She was like, ‘You don’t point down, you don’t do it either.’ And I knew it was going to happen. Then he started eating me up in the pocket. That’s where I do my best work.

Dustin Poirier via UFC

At UFC 318, Poirier’s strategy in the final moments highlighted his caution against Holloway’s signature attacks. When Holloway pointed to the canvas in the last seconds, Poirier agreed to strike first, but chose to clinch once the Hawaiian unleashed a few significant strikes. This choice prevented a risky striking exchange that could have led to a knockout.

Jolie Poirier has been a major part of Dustin’s career, supporting him since the beginning of his MMA journey. She has consistently been present at training camps, weigh-ins, and fights, providing guidance and stability. During Poirier’s rivalry with Conor McGregor, she remained a strong presence despite the Irishman taking multiple shots at her in the lead-up to their trilogy at UFC 264.

Even after retiring, Dustin Poirier has remained active within the combat sports community by transitioning into an analyst role. He recently broke down the Max Holloway fight during an episode of UFC Resolutions alongside Jon Anik, Chris Weidman, Chael Sonnen, and Kayla Harrison. His continued involvement reflects how his experience now shapes discussions beyond the octagon.

Did Max Holloway injure his hand against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318?

Max Holloway is widely regarded as one of the best pure boxers in UFC history due to his volume, accuracy, and footwork. His durability and striking consistency have defined a career spanning more than 16 years at the professional level. Across that stretch, Holloway has suffered only one stoppage loss by strikes. The record has reinforced his reputation as one of the most resilient fighters in mixed martial arts.

Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway at UFC 318 (via X)

That durability was reflected again in Holloway’s UFC 318 bout against Dustin Poirier, which featured sustained striking exchanges over five rounds. Holloway maintained his output and composure despite absorbing clean counters from the former interim champion. However, the Hawaiian later revealed that he injured his hand during the fight but continued competing without a visible adjustment.

Holloway is scheduled to return to the octagon at UFC 326 to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch for the BMF title on March 7, 2026 in Las Vegas. This bout will serve as his second defense of the symbolic BMF championship, having won it with a knockout at UFC 300 and defending it at UFC 318. Their rematch follows a decade-old first fight in 2015, giving the event added narrative weight.

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