Dustin Poirier made an emotional announcement during his guest appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, revealing that he plans to step into the Octagon one last time. The highly anticipated fight will see him square off against fellow fighter and BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title holder Max Holloway in a historic showdown on July 19 in New Orleans. This bout will mark the culmination of their long-standing rivalry, as they meet for the third time in their careers.

Poirier, with a professional record of 30 wins and 9 losses, holds a notable 2-0 advantage over Holloway (26 wins, 8 losses), having defeated him via first-round submission and a unanimous decision in their previous encounters. However, this upcoming fight will be particularly significant for the 36-year-old from Lafayette, Louisiana, as it will be his first appearance in over a year. His last fight was a challenging matchup against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024, where he was finished in the fifth round. Despite his impressive skills and ranking, this loss has led to discussions around Poirier being regarded as one of the best fighters in the UFC to have never held an undisputed championship.

Max Holloway, now 33, is making a transition back to the lightweight division following a defeat to Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title fight in October. His last performance in the lightweight category was at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he secured the BMF title by knocking out Justin Gaethje in a thrilling battle.

With such a rich history and significant implications on the line, fans are eagerly anticipating this final encounter between Poirier and Holloway. Sports analysts Brett Okamoto and Andreas Hale have offered their insights on the bout. Betting expert Ian Parker has also shared early predictions, creating a buzz in the MMA community.

Okamoto expressed his appreciation for the UFC's decision to host this monumental event in New Orleans, emphasizing the importance of Poirier's hometown in making this retirement fight memorable. He noted that while the UFC typically schedules events in Las Vegas due to high ticket sales, bringing this event to Louisiana demonstrates the promotion's willingness to break from tradition for a fighter of Poirier's caliber. The negotiations to secure the event in New Orleans took considerable effort, but the UFC recognized the value of allowing Poirier to have his farewell fight where he began his journey.

Hale underscored the significance of the matchup itself, highlighting that unlike many fighters who retire, Poirier is still ranked among the top 5 lightweights and is in a unique position as he approaches retirement. The fight is not only about the end of his career; it is an opportunity for Poirier to solidify his legacy by potentially capturing the BMF belt one last time.

As for whether Holloway is the right opponent for Poiriers final fight, both analysts agreed that it is a fitting choice. While Poirier may have had other opponents in mind, the historical context and competitive nature of this trilogy make it a compelling matchup. Poirier's desire to retire with a championship title in his home state adds to the emotional stakes of the fight. Holloway, who is also eager to secure a victory, is not likely to take it easy on Poirier, making this a clash of titans that fans wont want to miss.

When discussing the implications of the BMF title on their legacies, Okamoto stated that the belt signifies more for Poirier, who has never held an undisputed title during his career. This potential crowning moment represents an opportunity for Poirier to leave the sport with a symbolic accolade that fans and fighters alike recognize as significant.

Parker, the betting expert, predicts that Poirier will emerge victorious by decision, citing the excellent timing of this fight for both competitors. He believes Poirier's power and durability will ultimately give him the edge in what is expected to be an exhilarating five-round battle.

As the date approaches, excitement builds within the MMA community for what promises to be a memorable night of fights in New Orleans.