HE CHEATED: Dustin Poirier Accuses Max Holloway of Using Dirty Tactics to Win at UFC 318, Fans Explode at the Hidden Truth

At 10:45 AM +07 on Monday, July 21, 2025, the MMA community is ablaze with controversy following Dustin Poirier’s explosive accusation that Max Holloway employed dirty tactics to secure a unanimous decision victory at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025. The Louisiana native, who fought his retirement bout at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, has ignited a firestorm, with fans and analysts dissecting the “hidden truth” behind the fight that ended his storied career.

The Fight Recap

UFC 318 featured a trilogy bout for the BMF title, pitting Poirier against Holloway, a former featherweight champion transitioning to lightweight. The fight lived up to its billing as an instant classic, with both fighters exchanging knockdowns across five rounds. Holloway dropped Poirier early with a right hand in the first round and again in the second, while Poirier countered with a guillotine attempt and a late-round surge. Despite Poirier’s resilience, Holloway’s higher strike volume—186 to 114 according to UFC Stats—secured a unanimous decision with scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. Poirier, overwhelmed by the crowd’s love, retired in the Octagon, leaving his gloves behind to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

Poirier’s Accusation

In a post-fight interview released at 10:30 AM +07, Poirier leveled a serious charge, stating, “He cheated. I felt those low blows, and they changed the fight.” He specifically pointed to two instances in the second and fourth rounds where he believed Holloway’s strikes strayed below the belt, claiming they disrupted his rhythm and stamina. Poirier, who had trained for a stand-up war, suggested the lack of referee intervention—despite his complaints to official Keith Peterson—tilted the outcome. “I’m not saying it was intentional, but it happened, and it cost me,” he added, his voice tinged with frustration.

The accusation contrasts with Poirier’s emotional farewell, where he expressed gratitude to fans and the UFC. This shift has fueled speculation that the retirement announcement masked deeper discontent, with some suggesting he might reconsider his exit if the UFC investigates.

Fan Reaction and Hidden Truth

The MMA world has erupted on social media, with X posts reflecting a polarized response. Fans supporting Poirier argue the low blows were evident, with clips circulating showing Holloway’s punches landing low, though not flagged by Peterson. “Hidden truth: UFC protects its stars like Holloway,” one user claimed, while others praised Poirier’s integrity, calling it a “robbery masked as a classic.” Conversely, Holloway’s supporters defend his clean record, noting his respect for Poirier post-fight, where he ceded the spotlight. The debate has intensified, with some alleging bias toward Holloway’s BMF status, though no official evidence supports intentional foul play.

What This Means

Poirier’s accusation casts a shadow over Holloway’s victory, potentially tarnishing the BMF title defense and prompting calls for a review. Holloway, now 27-8, strengthens his lightweight case, with UFC President Dana White hinting at a Topuria rematch. For Poirier, 30-10, the claim could either solidify his legacy as a fighter wronged or invite backlash for souring his exit. Fans demand transparency, with some urging the UFC to release unedited footage or penalize Holloway if fouls are confirmed.

As the dust settles, this scandal threatens to redefine UFC 318’s legacy, with the truth—hidden or otherwise—hanging in the balance as the MMA world awaits further developments.