Former UFC interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier shared his insights on the upcoming UFC BMF title fight at UFC 300 between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway. Gaethje claimed the BMF title by knocking out Poirier in their previous encounter at UFC 291. Holloway, a former featherweight champion, is returning to lightweight seeking redemption after a loss to Poirier at UFC 236.
Poirier, in an appearance on The MMA Hour, expressed confidence in Holloway’s chances, dismissing concerns about Holloway being undersized for the lightweight division as he claimed “I’ve seen a lot of people online saying ‘Max is going to undersized’… [but] Max is a big guy. He and Gaethje probably walk around at the same weight.”
"Max [Holloway] is a big guy. Him and [Justin] Gaethje probably walk around the same weight. Max isn’t a small guy.”
Dustin Poirier disputes the misconception of Holloway being "undersized" at lightweight.
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Dustin Poirier sides with Max Holloway in UFC BMF title bout
Holloway’s return to lightweight has sparked debates, with some considering it a risky move. However, Dustin Poirier believes it’s a gamble worth taking, emphasizing that fans should not underestimate Holloway’s potential to pursue the BMF title successfully.
Holloway has spent most of his career in the Featherweight division, despite starting as a lightweight. He has been highly successful as a featherweight having won the UFC Featherweight belt and having 3 successful title defenses. He moved up to lightweight to face Dustin Poirier for the UFC Interim Lightweight belt but Poirier won the bout via unanimous decision.
Despite acknowledging the fight stands at 50-50 like a coin toss, Dustin Poirier stated he would be favoring Max Holloway, believing in his overall fighting skills as he said “His timing, range, durability. It’s a coin toss, but if I was betting, I would bet Max.”
The BMF title clash Is set to take place on April 17th in Las Vegas, positioning it as the co-main event of UFC 300. Gaethje, a seasoned lightweight, presents a formidable challenge to Holloway, having defeated notable contenders like Tony Ferguson and Poirier in the division.
Holloway, not ruling out a return to featherweight, could potentially vie for the title again if Ilia Topuria secures the belt at UFC 298. The outcome of the Gaethje vs. Holloway bout will determine whether Holloway’s decision to move up in weight pays off, and Poirier believes fans should closely watch Holloway’s pursuit of BMF gold.