Dustin Poirier Says Max Holloway Is the Most Skilled Opponent He Has Ever Faced

Dustin Poirier has competed in not one but two weight classes in the UFC, during his 11-year stint with the company. Poirier has competed at both 145-pounds and 155-pounds. ‘The Diamond’ has faced the very best the UFC has had to offer. And he has more often than not always come out on top. 

In a recent interview with Laura Sanko, Poirier shared his thoughts on the best-skilled opponent he has beaten. He said, “Oh man, some tough questions here. You know, I’ve fought a lot of really good guys. And beat a lot of really good guys. Probably Max Holloway.”

‘The Diamond’ continued, “Just his grit. He matched the grit that I bring which I don’t think is easy to do. And his durability was amazing. You know, he took some heavy shots. I know he was hurt multiple times and every time the bell rang he answered it. He came out ready to scrap and I am thankful for it cause I learned a lot in that fight.”

Read More:- ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered!’- Michael Chandler Ready to Take on Justin Gaethje at Madison Square Garden

Dustin Poirier vs Max Holloway- a look back at an epic rivalry 

Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are two of the best strikers, not just in their respective divisions, but in the UFC period. ‘The Diamond’ welcomed ‘Blessed’ into the promotion at UFC 143. A young and relatively inexperienced Holloway succumbed to a loss via submission in the very first round of the fight. Since then both men took different paths with Holloway staying at 145-pounds and Poirier moving up to 155-pounds. 

The two men met for the second time, seven years on from their first encounter. This time around, the interim lightweight belt was on the line for both men. The winner would then go on to fight ‘The Eagle’ for the undisputed lightweight strap. 

Going into the fight, the common consensus was that the two men would put on an epic display in striking which is exactly what they did. Holloway and Poirier went strike for strike and put on one of the most exciting lightweight title fights ever. Over the course of the five rounds, both men threw a combined 827 strikes and landed 359. Mind-boggling numbers to say the least.