In a historic clash for the UFC’s BMF title, Max Holloway retained his crown with a unanimous decision win over Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC New Orleans, marking the final Octagon appearance for Poirier in his hometown.
Holloway, showing marked improvement at lightweight, delivered knockdowns in the first and second rounds and maintained high output throughout. Poirier rallied in the later rounds, finding his rhythm and landing a knockdown of his own, electrifying the sold-out crowd.
The third and fourth rounds saw both men trade in intense exchanges, with Holloway’s combinations edging the output battle. Despite visible damage, Holloway pushed through the fifth and final round to seal the win on the scorecards: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46.
“I know I had to be the villain, but thank you for the hospitality,” Holloway said post-fight. “I’ve got the BMF belt. Come get me, baby! This is Dustin’s retirement fight. Give it up for the man!”
Poirier, who made his final walk to the Octagon in front of a roaring New Orleans crowd, was reflective and emotional.
“I feel appreciated. I feel seen. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana and the company,” Poirier said. “It’s been incredible. I didn’t know I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams. I’m forever grateful.”
Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa made a successful return, defeating No. 4 ranked Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). Costa’s powerful kicks and forward pressure neutralized Kopylov’s speed and reach advantage over three rounds.
“The majority of my game plan was to stand up with him,” Costa said. “Everybody knows I hate (Khamzat) Chimaev. You’re a coward. I’m going to chase you and I will not stop until I get you.”
Fight Night Bonuses
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Fight of the Night: Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori
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Performance of the Night: Ateba Gautier
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Performance of the Night: Carli Judice
Official Results
Main Event
Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Main Card
Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Patricio Pitbull def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Prelims
Vinicius Oliveira def. Kyler Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Nikolay Veretennikov def. Francisco Prado via split decision (28-29, 29-29, 29-28)
Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin via TKO (strikes), R1, 1:10
Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt via KO (strikes), R1, 4:06
Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (armbar), R1, 4:42
Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski via submission (guillotine choke), R1, 2:47
Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey via submission (armbar), R1, 3:35
Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari via TKO (knee), R3, 1:30
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