Alexander Volkanovski impressed by Max Holloway's moment in his victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 318

Max Holloway is the UFC BMF champion. Instagram UFC

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The UFC 318 stage was set to be a farewell show for Dustin poirier, but the one who stole the spotlight was Max Holloway. The Hawaiian starred in a real war with the 'Diamond' for five rounds and, in the final ten seconds, invited the host of the party to a frank exchange of blows in the center of the octagon, in true 'BMF' style. This courageous move earned Holloway the victory by decision, the recognition of the public and even of former rivals.

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In a video published on his YouTube channel, Alexander Volkanovsky was impressed with the comeback performance of Max Holloway. The Australian, who has already faced the Hawaiian in a remarkable trilogy, highlighted the difficulty of recovering after a brutal knockout like the one Holloway suffered against Ilia Topuria. Still, the former champion returned with intensity, called his opponent to the center of the ring and starred in one of the most memorable scenes of the event.

"Not many people can bounce back from defeats, much less knockout defeats, and still point to the ground and say, 'Let's do it.' He's truly a BMF," he said. Alexander Volkanovsky.

Max Holloway calls out Dustin Poirier for a punching match at UFC 318

Max Holloway e Dustin poirier in a trilogy at UFC 318. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

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Just like in UFC 300, when he knocked out Justin gaethje as the clock ran out, Holloway called his opponent back to the center of the octagon in the final moments.

With just ten seconds left on the clock, he pointed to the ground, stared Poirier down, and invited the veteran into one last frank exchange. Even exhausted after five intense rounds, the American accepted the challenge.

What followed was a pure display of courage and fighting spirit. Both fighters ignored any defensive strategy and launched into an open brawl, drawing cheers and applause from the audience, who stood and watched the scene that has become a trademark of the 'Blessed One'.

In the final stretch, however, Dustin swayed and hugged his opponent to avoid being knocked out.

VIDEO: He did it again! Holloway calls out Poirier for the final exchange in a UFC 318 war

FOREVER LINKED @blessedmma & @DustinPoirier go the distance at #UFC318! pic.twitter.com/j2o03hFE3G

- UFC (@ufc) July 20, 2025