Legends Fight for The Last Time! Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 3 Betting Odds & Fight Predictions (UFC 318, July 20)

Key Details About The UFC 318 Main Event

Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier are ready to settle the score once and for all on July 20. Poirier holds a 2-0 edge in their rivalry, submitting Holloway, whom he introduced to the UFC in 2012, and outlasting him in a five-round war for the interim lightweight belt in 2019. But this time, the stakes feel even higher.

Holloway, the former featherweight king, steps in to defend his BMF title — a belt he grabbed in spectacular fashion with CBS Sports’ 2024 Knockout of the Year over Justin Gaethje. Poirier, on the other hand, looks to leave the UFC on a high note with a win many fans believe he deserves.

Holloway vs Poirier III Odds

UFC 318 brings a high-stakes clash between two icons, and fans can explore the apps for betting on UFC to catch all the action with these updated odds.

Max Holloway to Win

Best odds:

1.77 (10/13)

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Dustin Poirier

Best odds:

2.10 (11/10)

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Bookmakers slightly favor Holloway at 1.77 (10/13), thanks to his sharp striking and relentless pace. Poirier, a 2.10 (11/10) underdog, has already beaten Holloway twice and knows how to handle the matchup. With Holloway’s recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria and Poirier aiming to end his career on a high note, this bout feels wide open.

Max Holloway’s Current Form in the UFC

Max “Blessed” Holloway enters UFC 318 with a 26–8 record and a legacy as one of the featherweight division’s greats. He claimed undisputed gold in 2017 by finishing José Aldo and held the belt until Alexander Volkanovski ended his reign in 2019. Though failed title bids followed, his knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 to win the BMF belt proved his striking remains elite. Now 33, Holloway seeks another career-defining moment in a trilogy clash that has fans searching for Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier tips.

Holloway’s Advantages Over Poirier

Max Holloway thrives in striking wars, which makes this matchup with Poirier a true chess match on the feet. His signature volume and pace overwhelm most opponents, breaking them down over rounds rather than relying on one-shot power. Holloway’s ability to mix angles and maintain relentless pressure was on full display in his dramatic knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. However, with his chin tested by Ilia Topuria in their last meeting, Poirier may look to exploit any cracks. For Holloway, staying sharp and using his high-output style could be key to controlling the fight and outlasting “The Diamond.”

Dustin Poirier’s Current Form in The UFC

Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (30–9–0, 1 NC) has spent years building a reputation as one of the UFC’s toughest and most entertaining fighters. After a strong start at featherweight, he rose to new heights in the lightweight division, claiming the interim title in a memorable battle with Max Holloway. Though undisputed gold proved elusive against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev, Poirier’s wars with the sport’s elite cemented his legacy. Now preparing for what may be his final walk to the octagon, he has a chance to leave as BMF champion.

Poirier’s Advantages Over Topuria

Dustin Poirier’s power and grit have carried him through countless wars, and those same traits could be key in this matchup. Unlike Max, Poirier doesn’t depend on volume; his sharp boxing and heavy hands have stopped elite opponents like Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje. He thrives in close-range exchanges, where mixing body shots with head strikes often disrupts his rivals’ rhythm. In their previous meetings, Poirier’s southpaw stance and counterpunching gave Holloway plenty of problems, and his physicality at lightweight remains a serious advantage.

Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier III Betting Tips

We move on to our UFC Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 3 predictions, so stay tuned to find out which pick makes the most sense to you.

Dustin Poirier to Win by TKO/KO @ 3.85 (26/100)

Poirier may be the underdog, but his knockout power is still his biggest threat. His southpaw stance and sharp counters gave Holloway problems before, and recent knockouts of Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje prove he can still finish fights. With this being his retirement bout in Louisiana, Poirier has every reason to deliver one last explosive performance. While the Holloway vs Poirier III betting preview suggests a tight contest, Poirier may only need one clean shot to close this chapter in his favor.

Fight to Go Over 2.5 Rounds @ 1.27 (21/79)

Both fighters are battle-tested veterans with strong chins and excellent defensive skills. Their 2019 rematch went the full five rounds, and neither has been stopped in recent years despite facing top-level competition. Poirier’s submission win over Holloway happened more than a decade ago, back when both were very different fighters. With their measured starts and ability to push the pace later, this matchup is well-suited for those favoring a longer fight.

Total Significant Strikes in Round 1 Under 28.5 @ 1.73 (8/11)

Both fighters are likely to open cautiously in this high-stakes trilogy. Poirier’s patient style and Holloway’s tendency to ease into fights point to a measured first round. Their past meetings also showed early tactical pacing, and with Poirier’s retirement and the BMF title on the line, this Holloway vs Poirier III UFC 318 prediction has a statement to make.