Holloway Vs Poirier 3 What Happened And Will It Happen?

The anticipated trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, often dubbed Holloway vs. Poirier 3, is a topic of much discussion among MMA fans. Both fighters have had incredible careers, marked by memorable clashes and impressive victories. Their first two encounters were nothing short of spectacular, leaving fans eager for a third showdown to definitively settle the score. However, as of the current MMA landscape, Holloway vs. Poirier 3 remains a figment of the fans' imagination, an enticing prospect yet to materialize. This article delves into the history of their rivalry, the circumstances preventing a third fight, and the likelihood of this highly anticipated trilogy ever taking place.

A Rivalry Forged in Fire

The rivalry between Max "Blessed" Holloway and Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier is one for the ages, a testament to their skill, heart, and competitive spirit. Their first encounter took place at UFC 143 in February 2012, where Poirier, a rising star in the featherweight division, faced a young and relatively unknown Holloway. Poirier's superior grappling skills were on full display that night, as he secured a first-round triangle-armbar submission victory over Holloway. This win marked a significant milestone in Poirier's career, while Holloway, despite the loss, showed glimpses of the potential that would later make him a dominant force in the division.

Fast forward to UFC 236 in April 2019, seven years after their first clash. Both fighters had evolved significantly, establishing themselves as top contenders in their respective weight classes. Holloway, the reigning featherweight champion, moved up to lightweight to challenge Poirier for the interim lightweight title. This highly anticipated rematch lived up to the hype, delivering a back-and-forth war that showcased the striking prowess of both men. Dustin Poirier's calculated aggression and powerful combinations ultimately proved too much for Holloway, as he secured a unanimous decision victory after five grueling rounds. This win not only earned Poirier the interim title but also evened the score in their rivalry, setting the stage for a potential trilogy fight that fans have been clamoring for ever since.

Their two fights have been characterized by intense striking exchanges, unwavering determination, and a mutual respect that transcends the competitive arena. The stylistic matchup between Holloway's volume striking and Poirier's power and precision makes for an incredibly exciting contest. Each fight has pushed both men to their limits, revealing their resilience and skill under pressure. The anticipation for a third fight stems not only from the competitive balance between them but also from the sheer entertainment value of their clashes. Fans know that a third fight would likely be another epic battle, a fitting conclusion to this modern classic rivalry.

The Obstacles in the Path of a Trilogy

Despite the overwhelming demand from fans and the compelling narrative of their rivalry, Holloway vs. Poirier 3 has yet to materialize. Several factors have contributed to the delay, including scheduling conflicts, divisional priorities, and the overall landscape of the UFC. One of the primary obstacles is the fact that both fighters compete in different weight classes. Holloway is a mainstay in the featherweight division, where he has consistently ranked among the top contenders. Poirier, on the other hand, has found success in the lightweight division, competing against some of the biggest names in the sport. The weight disparity makes it challenging to arrange a fight that is fair and beneficial for both athletes.

Scheduling conflicts also play a significant role in preventing the trilogy fight. Both Holloway and Poirier have demanding training schedules and commitments to their respective divisions. Coordinating their availability to align for a fight card is a logistical challenge. The UFC's event calendar is packed with fights throughout the year, making it difficult to find a suitable date and venue for such a high-profile matchup. Furthermore, both fighters have individual career goals and aspirations that may not align with a trilogy fight at this particular time. Holloway, for example, may prioritize defending his featherweight title or pursuing other matchups in his division. Poirier may have his sights set on the lightweight championship or other lucrative opportunities in the 155-pound weight class.

The dynamics of the UFC's rankings and title picture also influence the likelihood of a third fight. Both Holloway and Poirier are highly ranked in their respective divisions, and their career trajectories are often intertwined with title contention. If either fighter is in line for a title shot in their division, they may be hesitant to take a non-title fight against each other, especially given the risks involved. A loss in a non-title fight could derail their title aspirations and potentially set them back in the rankings. The complexities of the UFC's matchmaking process, which takes into account factors such as rankings, popularity, and marketability, add another layer of intricacy to the equation.

The Likelihood of Holloway vs. Poirier 3

While the obstacles preventing Holloway vs. Poirier 3 are significant, the possibility of the fight happening in the future should not be completely ruled out. The demand from fans, the compelling narrative of their rivalry, and the potential financial rewards could all serve as motivating factors for the UFC to make the fight a reality. Both Holloway and Poirier have expressed interest in a third fight at various times, indicating that they are not opposed to the idea. However, the timing and circumstances would need to be right for both fighters to commit to the bout.

One potential scenario that could increase the likelihood of the trilogy fight is a shift in divisional priorities. If either Holloway or Poirier were to move to a different weight class, it could create an opportunity for them to face each other without disrupting their respective title aspirations. For example, if Holloway were to move up to lightweight on a more permanent basis, it could pave the way for a third fight against Poirier. Similarly, if Poirier were to move up to welterweight, a matchup with Holloway could become more feasible. The fluidity of the UFC's roster and the ever-changing landscape of the sport mean that anything is possible.

Another factor that could influence the likelihood of the fight is the UFC's matchmaking strategy. The UFC is known for its ability to create compelling matchups that generate fan interest and drive pay-per-view sales. If the UFC believes that a third fight between Holloway and Poirier would be a major draw, they may be more inclined to make it happen, even if it means navigating logistical challenges and conflicting priorities. The UFC's promotional power and marketing expertise could play a crucial role in building anticipation for the fight and ensuring its success. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to book the trilogy fight rests with the UFC's matchmakers, who must weigh the various factors and determine what is in the best interests of the promotion and the fighters.

What Fans Can Expect

If Holloway vs. Poirier 3 were to materialize, fans could expect another thrilling encounter that lives up to the high standards set by their previous two fights. Both fighters have evolved significantly since their first clash in 2012 and their rematch in 2019. Holloway has become known for his relentless pressure, volume striking, and exceptional cardio. Poirier has honed his boxing skills and developed a reputation for his powerful combinations and fight-ending ability. Their contrasting styles and unwavering determination make for a compelling matchup that is sure to deliver fireworks.

A potential third fight would likely be a stand-up battle, with both fighters willing to exchange strikes and test each other's durability. Holloway's ability to maintain a high pace and throw a large volume of strikes could pose a challenge for Poirier. However, Poirier's power and precision could make him a dangerous opponent for Holloway, as he has the ability to end the fight with a single punch. The grappling exchanges, while perhaps less frequent than the striking, could also play a crucial role in the outcome of the fight. Both fighters have solid wrestling and submission skills, and they could look to exploit any weaknesses in their opponent's ground game.

The mental aspect of the fight would also be a key factor in determining the winner. Both Holloway and Poirier have demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude throughout their careers, overcoming adversity and performing under pressure. The experience of their previous two fights could give them a psychological edge, as they have a better understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. The ability to stay calm, focused, and composed in the face of adversity could be the difference between victory and defeat. Fans can expect a highly competitive and strategic fight, with both fighters leaving it all in the octagon.

Conclusion

The question of who won Holloway vs. Poirier 3 remains unanswered, as the fight has not yet taken place. However, the anticipation for this potential trilogy fight continues to grow, fueled by the history of their rivalry, the skill and popularity of both fighters, and the inherent drama of a trilogy matchup. While obstacles exist in the path of making the fight a reality, the possibility of Holloway vs. Poirier 3 should not be dismissed. The UFC's matchmaking strategy, divisional priorities, and the willingness of both fighters to commit to the bout will ultimately determine whether or not this highly anticipated trilogy ever comes to fruition. For now, fans can only speculate and hope that one day they will witness the final chapter in this epic rivalry.