UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events at UFC 318 in New Orleans, Max Holloway has successfully defended the BMF title, solidifying his status in the lightweight division. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier, his opponent and fellow Louisiana native, announced his retirement, leaving his gloves in the Octagon—an emotional end to a legendary career.
Holloway, adorned with the BMF belt presented by rapper Lil Wayne, showcased his dominance in the ring, but the future of the title now hangs in the balance. As fans and analysts speculate on what’s next, there are immediate implications for both Holloway and other fighters like Paulo Costa and Patricio Pitbull, who also made headlines with their victories on the main card.
Holloway is keen on establishing himself firmly in the lightweight division, but he won’t be challenging champion Ilia Topuria for the title anytime soon. Instead, all eyes are on Charles Oliveira, a highly ranked fighter who is currently outside the title picture after his recent loss to Topuria. Their history dates back to 2015, when Holloway defeated Oliveira by TKO following an injury. A rematch is not only desired by Holloway but makes sense as the next step in his career.
Another potential matchup could be against Dan Hooker. While Oliveira remains the frontrunner, Hooker poses a compelling alternative for the BMF title fight, offering a high-stakes clash that could further define Holloway’s standing at 155 pounds.
On the other end, Costa’s performance against Roman Kopylov was a welcome sight for fans. The Brazilian fighter showed renewed focus and determination, suggesting he is back in form after years of struggles since his title fight loss to Israel Adesanya. Next, Costa may face Brendan Allen, who also emerged victorious in his bout against Marvin Vettori. Their matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles.
Wild cards are also emerging in the middleweight division. If Khamzat Chimaev loses to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16, 2023, the potential matchup between him and Costa should be revisited. This fight has been on hold since their original booking was canceled last year, and the rivalry has created significant anticipation.
In the featherweight division, Patricio Pitbull is looking to capitalize on his recent win but is targeting a fight with Aaron Pico. The matchup makes sense given the current fluidity in the division, especially with champion Alexander Volkanovski currently without a fight.
Fans are eagerly awaiting official announcements regarding these potential matchups. As the dust settles from UFC 318, the future for Holloway, Costa, and Pitbull looks bright, with exciting fights on the horizon that could reshape their careers.
Stay tuned for developments as the UFC landscape continues to evolve, and remember to share your thoughts on these possible matchups on social media. The world of MMA is buzzing with excitement, and you won’t want to miss what’s next!
