Max Holloway Reflects on UFC 318 Victory

Following an intense battle at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, Max Holloway took to the podium to address the media in the post-fight press conference. Held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, the event saw Holloway defending his 'BMF' belt against Dustin Poirier in a thrilling main event. Holloway's performance was a standout, as he outclassed Poirier in front of the Louisiana native's home crowd, ultimately leading to a decisive victory as reported by various sources including MMAmania.com and CBSSports.com. During the conference, streamed live on YouTube, Holloway shared his thoughts on the fight, expressing respect for his opponent and the passionate crowd.

Key Moments from the Fight Discussed

At around the 2:30 mark of the press conference video, Holloway broke down some of the pivotal moments from the fight. He highlighted his strategy of applying early pressure, a tactic that was evident from the opening bell and noted in posts found on X from the UFC account. Holloway discussed how he aimed to control the pace and keep Poirier on the defensive, a plan that paid off as the fight progressed. His ability to maintain composure and execute his game plan was crucial in securing the win, spoiling what was anticipated to be Poirier's retirement fight according to MMAmania.com updates.

Respect for Dustin Poirier and Future Plans

Shifting focus around the 5:45 timestamp, Holloway spoke highly of Dustin Poirier, acknowledging the veteran's career and the significance of fighting him in his hometown. He emphasized the mutual respect between the two fighters, a sentiment echoed in pre-fight interactions shared on social platforms. Holloway also touched on his future aspirations within the UFC, hinting at potential matchups without specifying opponents. His comments reflected a fighter eager to continue challenging himself against top-tier competition, maintaining his status as one of the division's elite.

Interaction with Media and Fans

Towards the latter part of the conference, near the 8:10 mark, Holloway engaged with questions from the media about his preparation and mindset going into UFC 318. He credited his team for their unwavering support and detailed the rigorous training camp that prepared him for the high-stakes encounter. Holloway also took a moment to thank the fans, recognizing their energy as a driving force during the fight. His genuine appreciation for the sport and its community resonated throughout the session, aligning with the passion seen in fan reactions across online platforms.