UFC 318 was poised to be a landmark event, particularly for Dustin Poirier, the beloved “Diamond” of Lafayette, Louisiana. It was slated as his career`s final, poignant chapter, a swan song in his home state of New Orleans. Across the Octagon stood Max Holloway, the “Blessed” Hawaiian, a man Poirier had a storied history with, culminating in a trilogy bout that promised fireworks. What unfolded was a five-round saga of resilience, precision, and one pivotal, heart-stopping moment that has since etched itself into the annals of mixed martial arts.
The Crucible of Round Two: A Near Finish and a Signature Attempt
The unanimous decision ultimately favored Holloway, a testament to his undeniable skill and adaptability. Yet, to recount the fight without dwelling on the second round would be an oversight of epic proportions. It was in these fleeting minutes that Poirier, with the kind of ferocity only a fighter on the cusp of retirement can summon, unleashed a barrage that visibly rocked Holloway. The crowd, a symphony of anticipation and hope, roared as “The Diamond” saw his opening. He moved, with an almost preordained certainty, to his signature maneuver: the guillotine choke.
For those unfamiliar, the guillotine choke is a front-headlock submission, a move Poirier has threatened countless opponents with throughout his illustrious career. While often a setup for other sequences rather than a definitive fight-ender for him, it is undeniably synonymous with his aggressive, opportunistic style. At UFC 318, with Holloway stunned, the stage was set for what could have been the fairy-tale ending Poirier had openly mused about: a bronze statue of him, immortalized in the act of securing a guillotine finish. Such an aspiration, while perhaps a touch melodramatic, perfectly encapsulates the competitive spirit of a fighter who leaves nothing to chance.
Max Holloway`s Calculated Calm: “Not Today, Sir.”
The very air in the Smoothie King Center seemed to hold its breath as Poirier clamped down. Yet, as the seconds ticked away in the round, Max Holloway demonstrated precisely why he is considered one of the sport`s most unyielding competitors. His post-fight reflections offered a candid glimpse into that harrowing moment.
“I was pretty hurt, bro. I can’t say nothing. At the end of the day I was calm. I was cool. I was just chilling. I was happy that we got done over there.”
This statement, delivered with Holloway`s characteristic nonchalance, belies the raw truth of the situation. To be “pretty hurt” and yet remain “calm” and “cool” speaks volumes of a fighter`s psychological fortitude. When pressed on whether Poirier might have secured the finish had he not transitioned to the guillotine, Holloway`s response was equally telling.
“I don’t know. I couldn’t tell you. But when he grabbed my neck, I was like, not today, sir. Not today, bro. You ain’t getting your bronze statue in front of your house.”
The “Not today, sir” line immediately became an iconic soundbite, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of a champion refusing to yield. It wasn`t just a declaration of survival; it was a playful, yet firm, rebuff to Poirier`s long-standing dream of that elusive guillotine-induced bronze statue, a dream Holloway himself had previously thwarted in a 2012 encounter. The irony of Poirier aiming for such a landmark finish on an opponent he had *already* submitted via a different choke (triangle armbar) years prior was not lost on Holloway.
Poirier`s Unwavering Resolve: A Final, Regret-Free Gamble
As the final bell of his career chimed, Dustin Poirier stood, not as the victor, but as a warrior who had given everything. The guillotine attempt in the second round, a final, hopeful flourish, marked the last submission attempt of his professional journey. Despite the outcome, Poirier`s post-fight sentiment was clear: no regrets.
“Nah. Never. One last one… And damn, I really thought that was gonna be the one, man. I had him hurt, but he rolled to his back, and I just couldn’t control it.”
This honest admission from Poirier highlights the fine margins of high-level MMA. He recognized the opportunity, committed to his signature move, and despite the outcome, found peace in the attempt. The roar of the New Orleans crowd as he locked it in was a poignant backdrop, a collective sigh of hope for a storybook ending that ultimately remained unwritten.
Legacy Defined: Beyond the Guillotine
The UFC 318 trilogy fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway was more than just a contest; it was a masterclass in fighting spirit. It showcased Holloway`s unparalleled ability to absorb punishment and adapt, proving that even when seemingly hurt, his resolve is a formidable defense. For Poirier, it was a testament to his relentless pursuit of a finish, a final, valiant effort in a career defined by heart and grit. While the “bronze statue” might remain a whimsical dream, the indelible image of Poirier`s final, desperate guillotine attempt, met by Holloway`s defiant “Not today, sir,” will forever stand as a monument to one of the most compelling narratives in combat sports history.
