A dominant win at UFC 318 sets the stage for a potential high-stakes rematch. It was an emotional night at UFC 318, as fans witnessed the farewell fight of a true legend. Dustin Poirier closed out his storied career in front of a roaring hometown crowd in New Orleans,

Max Holloway clears the air on claims Justin Gaethje hits harder than Ilia Topuria, setting the record straight on both fighters.

The BMF champion had the rare role of villain in Louisiana, as he served as the opponent for Dustin Poirier’s retirement fight at UFC 318. And the Hawaiian played spoiler by getting his revenge on ‘The Diamond’ for his previous two losses against him.

Prior to the Topuria loss, Holloway scored an iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje in his return to lightweight at UFC 300. This time, Holloway looked like a much more natural 155-pounder than he did when he lost to Poirier on short notice for the interim title at UFC 236.

Max Holloway fires back at Ilia Topuria after the champ claims the BMF belt, setting the stage for a showdown.

Having seemingly reached his conclusion on the Hawaiian’s next fight, Sonnen took to X and suggested a showdown between Holloway and rising lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett. “Max v Paddy,” Sonnen wrote. Pimblett has been among those campaigning for the first shot at unseating Topuria, whom he’s shared a heated rivalry with for years.

Max Holloway isn't ruling out the possibility of an Ilia Topuria rematch at lightweight. Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) was knocked out for the first time in his career by Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in their featherweight title fight at UFC 308 last October.

Dana White hints Max Holloway might be next challenger for Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title after his impressive recent performances.