Max Holloway was on a quest to become a double champion at UFC 236 in Atlanta Saturday night, and wanted to feed two birds with one scone by avenging a big former loss. It wasn't to be.
UFC 189 flashbacks!!!#UFC236 pic.twitter.com/dcqU43XUsF
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is on the shelf after being suspended following his post-fight brawl last November. He'd just knocked off former champion -- who had been stripped -- Conor McGregor. Tony Ferguson? Count him among interim champions who hadn't lost their titles, too. Either way, another was crowned on Saturday night.
Poirier poured on the offense in the first round, drilling Holloway with brilliant combo and pressure in what was scored a 10-8 round by yours truly. Despite Holloway having a better round two, Poirier still edged things out.
Holloway talking trash while wearing the crimson mask! Wow!#UFC236 pic.twitter.com/uEtQEjzzn7
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
Round three was a different story, with Poirier playing into Holloway's strengths -- active and in the center of the cage. Combined with Poirier's decreased volume spelled good news for the UFC Featherweight Champion in Holloway. That was until a Poirier knee busted open Holloway with a vengeance.
The knee that cut Holloway!
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
2-2 heading into round 5? What's your scorecard say? #UFC236 pic.twitter.com/t4ur17DRh1
Poirier rallied and ended up earning the win, and his second victory over Max Holloway. This one will go down in the record books, overshadowing the quick bout seven years prior.
NASTY elbows landing for @BlessedMMA! #UFC236 pic.twitter.com/B6rv5XDJLw
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
Holloway and Poirier first fought over seven years ago -- now a completely different world. Holloway was 20-years old and in his fourth pro fight, and his first in the UFC. This fight was also up a weight division at lightweight, the first time Holloway has fought there since before the 2012 loss to Poirier.
The final :10!!
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
Who do you have winning between @BlessedMMA & @DustinPoirier?! pic.twitter.com/89Y7oL5c33
Poirier called out Nurmagomedov after the fight, and Holloway credited Poirier for the win.
"Get your sh*t together young man! We've got a belt to fight for!"@DustinPoirier has a message for @TeamKhabib #UFC236 pic.twitter.com/0KiyzSV5Ta
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2019
You can see our full UFC 236 live coverage at this link, and our post-show podcast at this link. The Fightful MMA panel will also be breaking down the happenings on Tuesday at 2 PM EST for the Fightful MMA Podcast.
