Dustin Poirier Vs Max Holloway 3 Who Would Win A Trilogy Fight

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is rife with captivating rivalries and unforgettable clashes, and a potential trilogy fight between Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier and Max "Blessed" Holloway stands as a tantalizing prospect for fight fans. These two warriors have already delivered two epic battles, each showcasing their incredible skills, heart, and determination. The question of who won Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 remains unanswered, but let's delve into the history of their previous encounters, analyze their current trajectories, and explore the likelihood of a third showdown.

A Look Back at Poirier vs. Holloway 1 & 2: A Tale of Two Thrilling Fights

The first meeting between Poirier and Holloway took place on February 11, 2012, at UFC 143. This early clash in their careers saw Poirier, a rising star at featherweight, face off against a young and hungry Holloway.

• Dustin Poirier asserted his dominance early, securing a first-round triangle-armbar submission victory. This win marked a significant milestone in Poirier's career and showcased his grappling prowess. However, both fighters have evolved immensely since this initial encounter.

The rematch transpired over seven years later at UFC 236 on April 13, 2019, this time for the interim lightweight title. Both Poirier and Holloway had cemented their status as elite fighters in their respective divisions.

• This second fight was a five-round war, a testament to their incredible striking abilities and unwavering resilience. Poirier ultimately emerged victorious via unanimous decision, but the fight was incredibly close and competitive. Holloway showcased his signature volume striking and toughness, while Poirier displayed his power, precision, and improved wrestling.

The outcome of their second encounter left fans clamoring for a third fight, a trilogy bout to definitively settle the score. However, the complexities of MMA, including weight classes, title aspirations, and individual career paths, have made this a challenging proposition to materialize.

Analyzing the Fighters: Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway – Titans of MMA

To understand the potential dynamics of a third fight, it's crucial to analyze the fighters' individual strengths, weaknesses, and recent performances.

Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier: A Lightweight Powerhouse

• Dustin Poirier has established himself as one of the most exciting and respected fighters in the lightweight division. Known for his relentless pressure, powerful striking, and ever-improving grappling, Poirier has consistently faced and defeated top-tier opponents. His recent resume includes victories over Conor McGregor (twice), Dan Hooker, and Michael Chandler, showcasing his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles.

• Poirier's Strengths: Poirier's striking is a potent mix of power and technique. He throws crisp combinations, possesses a devastating left hand, and utilizes leg kicks effectively. His grappling game has also evolved significantly, making him a threat both on the ground and in transitions. Furthermore, Poirier's mental fortitude and fight IQ are exceptional, allowing him to make smart decisions under pressure.

• Poirier's Weaknesses: While Poirier is a well-rounded fighter, he can sometimes be drawn into brawls, which can leave him vulnerable. He has also shown susceptibility to takedowns, although his takedown defense has improved considerably in recent years. A patient and strategic opponent could potentially exploit these areas.

Max "Blessed" Holloway: The Featherweight King with Unmatched Volume

• Max Holloway is a true legend of the featherweight division, holding the record for the most significant strikes landed in a UFC fight. His incredible cardio, relentless pace, and unparalleled striking volume make him a nightmare matchup for almost anyone. Holloway's signature style involves overwhelming opponents with a barrage of punches, often breaking their will to fight.

• Holloway's Strengths: Holloway's striking is his greatest weapon. His ability to maintain a high output of punches, coupled with his exceptional accuracy and durability, makes him incredibly difficult to deal with on the feet. His cardio is second to none, allowing him to push the pace for five rounds. Additionally, Holloway's takedown defense is solid, forcing opponents to engage in striking exchanges.

• Holloway's Weaknesses: While Holloway's striking is phenomenal, he can sometimes be outmuscled by stronger opponents. His grappling, while improved, is not his primary strength. A fighter with a strong wrestling and top game could potentially neutralize Holloway's striking by taking him down and controlling him on the ground.

The Path to Poirier vs. Holloway 3: Weight Classes and Title Aspirations

One of the major obstacles in making Poirier vs. Holloway 3 a reality is the difference in weight classes. Poirier primarily competes at lightweight (155 lbs), while Holloway is a featherweight (145 lbs). For the trilogy fight to happen, one of them would likely need to move up or down in weight, a decision that carries significant risks and potential rewards.

• Dustin Poirier has expressed his desire to compete for the lightweight title again, making a move back down to featherweight seem unlikely. He has consistently stated his focus on challenging for the belt and solidifying his legacy in the lightweight division.

• Max Holloway, while having competed at lightweight before (in his second fight against Poirier), has primarily focused on defending and reclaiming his featherweight title. A move up to lightweight for a third fight with Poirier would be a significant undertaking, but not entirely out of the question, especially if the opportunity presented itself and the timing was right.

Potential Scenarios and Predictions: Who Would Win the Trilogy?

Predicting the outcome of a potential Poirier vs. Holloway 3 is a challenging task, given the skill and experience of both fighters. However, we can analyze potential scenarios and factors that could influence the result.

• Scenario 1: A Stand-Up War: If the fight remains primarily a striking battle, Holloway's volume and pace could pose a significant threat to Poirier. However, Poirier's power and precision could also land fight-altering blows. This scenario would likely be a closely contested affair, with the outcome potentially decided by who can better implement their striking game plan and weather the other's attacks.

• Scenario 2: Grappling Exchanges: If Poirier can successfully integrate his wrestling and grappling into the fight, he could potentially neutralize Holloway's striking and control the fight on the ground. However, Holloway's takedown defense is solid, and he is adept at scrambling back to his feet. Poirier would need to be strategic and persistent in his grappling efforts to gain a significant advantage.

• Scenario 3: Cardio and Endurance: Both fighters possess exceptional cardio, but Holloway's ability to maintain a relentless pace for five rounds is arguably unmatched. If the fight goes the distance, Holloway's cardio could become a crucial factor. However, Poirier has also shown tremendous endurance in his fights, and he is unlikely to wilt under pressure.

Prediction: Ultimately, a third fight between Poirier and Holloway would likely be another thrilling and competitive battle. Given Poirier's recent improvements in his grappling and his proven ability to defeat Holloway in a five-round fight, he would enter the fight as a slight favorite. However, Holloway's striking volume and cardio make him a dangerous opponent for anyone, and he certainly has the tools to win the trilogy. The fight would likely be a closely contested affair, potentially going the distance, with the outcome decided by small margins and strategic adjustments.

Conclusion: The Unanswered Question and the Allure of a Trilogy

The question of who won Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 remains unanswered, but the potential for a trilogy fight continues to captivate the MMA world. These two warriors have already delivered two unforgettable battles, showcasing their incredible skills, heart, and determination. Whether the fight materializes remains to be seen, but the allure of a third showdown between Poirier and Holloway will undoubtedly linger as long as they continue to compete at the highest level of the sport.

For fight fans, the prospect of witnessing these two legends clash once more is a tantalizing one. The trilogy would not only settle the score but also provide another chapter in their storied careers, further cementing their legacies as two of the greatest fighters of their generation. The world of MMA eagerly awaits the answer to the question: Will we see Poirier vs. Holloway 3?