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

As fight fans, we love to dream about epic clashes and trilogies that could define legacies. The hypothetical Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 is one such matchup that ignites the imagination. Both Poirier and Holloway are legends in their own right, former champions with a history of thrilling fights. While they've faced each other twice already, the landscape of their careers has shifted, making a third fight an intriguing proposition. This article delves into the possibility of Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3, analyzing their previous encounters, current trajectories, and the potential outcome of a trilogy bout.

A Look Back at Poirier vs. Holloway 1 & 2

To understand the potential of Poirier vs. Holloway 3, we must first revisit their previous battles. Their first encounter took place way back in 2012, early in both their careers, at UFC 143. A young Dustin Poirier, known for his aggressive striking and grappling, dominated Max Holloway, securing a first-round submission victory via an armbar. At the time, Holloway was a relatively inexperienced fighter, still developing his signature volume striking and cardio. Poirier's victory was decisive, showcasing his well-rounded skillset and potential.

Fast forward to 2019, seven years later, and both men had evolved into elite fighters. They clashed again at UFC 236 for the interim lightweight title. This time, the stakes were much higher, and the fight lived up to the hype. Poirier, now a seasoned veteran with devastating power, and Holloway, the featherweight champion known for his relentless pace and striking, engaged in a back-and-forth war. Poirier ultimately won via unanimous decision, but the fight was incredibly competitive, with both fighters showcasing their toughness and skill. Holloway displayed his incredible striking output and durability, while Poirier's power and tactical adjustments proved to be the difference. This second fight was a grueling, five-round affair that cemented both fighters' status as top contenders.

Analyzing Their Current Trajectories

Since their second fight, both Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway have continued to compete at the highest level, facing some of the toughest opponents in the sport. Poirier has had a remarkable run, defeating names like Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, and Conor McGregor (twice). He captured the interim lightweight title against Holloway and has consistently been in the title picture. Known for his grit, power, and well-rounded skills, Poirier has become one of the most respected and exciting fighters in the UFC. He possesses a dangerous combination of striking and grappling, making him a threat to anyone in the lightweight division.

Holloway, on the other hand, has remained a dominant force in the featherweight division. After losing to Poirier, he defended his featherweight title against Frankie Edgar before losing it to Alexander Volkanovski in a closely contested fight. He then faced Volkanovski in a rematch, losing another decision, albeit a controversial one. Despite these setbacks, Holloway has continued to showcase his incredible striking and durability, earning impressive wins over Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez. His volume striking, cardio, and unwavering pace make him a nightmare matchup for many fighters. Holloway's resilience and determination have solidified his place as one of the greatest featherweights of all time.

Currently, Poirier remains a top contender in the lightweight division, always in the mix for a title shot. Holloway continues to reign as a top featherweight, consistently putting on exciting performances. A third fight between them would likely need to take place at lightweight, given Poirier's established presence in the division.

The Case for Poirier vs. Holloway 3

So, why is a third fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway so appealing? Several factors contribute to the intrigue:

• The History: Their two previous fights have provided a compelling narrative. The first fight showcased Poirier's early dominance, while the second was a grueling war that could have gone either way. A third fight would serve as the ultimate tie-breaker, settling the score once and for all.
• Their Evolution: Both fighters have evolved significantly since their previous encounters. Poirier has become a more polished and powerful striker, while Holloway has honed his volume striking and cardio to an even greater degree. Seeing how their evolved skillsets match up would be fascinating.
• The Stakes: While a third fight might not necessarily be for a title, it would still carry significant weight. A win for Poirier would further solidify his legacy as one of the best lightweights of his era. A win for Holloway would prove his ability to compete at lightweight against top competition and potentially open up new avenues in his career.
• The Style Clash: Poirier's power and well-rounded game against Holloway's relentless pace and striking volume makes for a captivating stylistic matchup. Their previous fights have been incredibly exciting, and a third fight would likely deliver more fireworks.

Potential Outcomes and Predictions

Predicting the outcome of 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.

• Poirier's Power: Poirier possesses significant knockout power in his hands. If he can land cleanly on Holloway, he has the ability to finish the fight. His power was a key factor in their second fight, and it would likely be a major weapon in a third encounter.
• Holloway's Volume and Pace: Holloway's relentless striking output and cardio are his greatest assets. He can overwhelm opponents with his volume and wear them down over the course of a fight. If he can maintain his pace and keep Poirier on the defensive, he could potentially outpoint him.
• Grappling Exchanges: While both fighters primarily rely on their striking, grappling could play a role in the fight. Poirier is a capable grappler, and he might look to take the fight to the ground to neutralize Holloway's striking. However, Holloway has also improved his grappling defense over the years.
• Experience and Fight IQ: Both Poirier and Holloway are highly experienced fighters with excellent fight IQ. They are adept at making adjustments during a fight and exploiting their opponent's weaknesses. Their experience would be a valuable asset in a high-stakes trilogy fight.

Considering these factors, the fight would likely be a close and competitive affair. Poirier's power and grappling could give him an edge, but Holloway's volume and pace are a constant threat. A potential prediction would be a hard-fought decision victory for either fighter, with the possibility of a late stoppage depending on how the fight unfolds. The key for Poirier would be to land his power shots and potentially mix in takedowns, while Holloway would need to maintain his pace, control the distance, and avoid getting caught by Poirier's power.

Obstacles and the Likelihood of the Fight

While a Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 is an intriguing prospect, several obstacles could prevent it from happening. The primary obstacle is the difference in weight classes. Poirier is firmly established at lightweight, while Holloway competes at featherweight. For the fight to materialize, Holloway would likely need to move up to lightweight, which is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Another factor is the current landscape of their respective divisions. Poirier is always in contention for the lightweight title, and he may prioritize fights that directly lead to a title shot. Holloway is also a top contender at featherweight, and he may prefer to focus on reclaiming his title. The UFC's matchmaking priorities and the fighters' individual goals will ultimately determine whether this fight comes to fruition.

Despite these obstacles, the allure of a trilogy fight could be enough to make it happen. Both Poirier and Holloway are known for taking on tough challenges, and they have a mutual respect for each other. If the timing and circumstances align, a third fight between these two warriors is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Conclusion: The Dream of a Trilogy Fight

The hypothetical Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway 3 is a dream matchup for fight fans. Their history, evolved skillsets, and contrasting styles make for a compelling narrative. While obstacles exist, the potential for another epic battle between these two legends remains. Whether it happens or not, the discussion surrounding Poirier vs. Holloway 3 highlights the excitement and unpredictability of the fight game. As fans, we can only hope that these two warriors cross paths in the Octagon once again, giving us another unforgettable chapter in their storied careers. Only time will tell if we get to witness this trilogy fight, but the anticipation and speculation will continue to fuel the dreams of fight fans around the world.