Max Holloway Prepares for Trilogy Showdown with Dustin Poirier at UFC 318
NEW ORLEANS, LA — UFC’s BMF champion, Max Holloway, is gearing up for a highly anticipated trilogy fight against 36-year-old Dustin Poirier on July 19 at the Smoothie King Center. As the 33-year-old Hawaiian prepares for this crucial matchup, he is not only focused on training but also emphasizing the importance of recovery—a theme that has emerged in his latest YouTube vlog series.
Having faced Poirier twice before and come up short, this bout represents a pivotal moment for Holloway. While he holds the edge in youth, the fighters’ previous encounters have favored Poirier, who has declared this match his final fight before retirement. This adds an unprecedented layer of urgency for the Hawaiian fighter, who is determined to reclaim victory against a formidable long-time rival.
Holloway’s training routine has been showcased on YouTube, where he gives fans an inside look at both his sparring sessions and recreational activities like surfing. However, it’s his emphasis on recovery that stands out in Episode 4 of his training series, where he candidly discusses its necessity in the physically demanding world of mixed martial arts.
“Recovery is super important,” said Holloway in the video. “I need my body for this fight game, so to get your body back in shape and be able to do all the hard work again, day in and day out… recovery is key.” Following a rigorous sparring session, fans see Holloway engage in various recovery methods, including cupping therapy to stimulate blood flow, compression therapy to minimize swelling, and red-light therapy to energize his cells.
As a seasoned fighter with a record of 26-8-0, Holloway acknowledges the evolution of his approach to recovery. “My recovery has evolved a lot,” he admits. “I did zero recovery when I was younger. I felt like you didn’t need to take care of your body. Now, we’re a bit older, and luckily for me, my cousin and his wife own a recovery place … it’s a blessing.” While he’s adapted to prioritize recovery, even he has his limits—most notably, a cold plunge remained an unappealing prospect during his recent training regime.
As fight day approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both fighters. Holloway seeks redemption, while Poirier aims to ride into retirement on a high note. Fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an intense showdown at UFC 318.
To keep up with “The Blessed” and his training journey, check out his YouTube channel here. Don’t miss the action as Holloway faces off against Poirier on July 19 in a battle that could redefine both their legacies in the octagon.