Boxing icon Mike Tyson is anticipating an upset following the UFC 318 main event. Dustin Poirier is set to retire from MMA after his final fight in his hometown on Saturday night. Max Holloway aims to stop “Diamond” from closing out his career with a BMF title win. Prior to the UFC 318 showdown, Tyson expressed skepticism about the fighter he supports being enough to secure victory.
Tyson, who witnessed Holloway deliver one of the most significant knockouts in MMA history at UFC 300, believes Holloway has the edge over Poirier despite the latter having defeated Holloway twice before. While Tyson supports Poirier’s farewells, he hopes Holloway will spoil the celebration at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tyson shared with NBA star Shaquille O’Neal: “I want Dustin to win, but I think Max will get him. It’s going to be very exciting—you won’t regret your bet on this fight.”
On the other hand, Poirier is confident in his strategy to beat Holloway and retire at the peak of his career. The 36-year-old predicts he’ll out-timed Holloway early, land a significant shot, and come out victorious on July 19.
Fan Take: This matchup is more than just a trilogy fight; it’s a defining moment for two MMA legends marking pivotal points in their careers. The outcome will resonate deeply with fight fans and could shift the landscape of the lightweight division as one of its icons retires and another seeks to claim ultimate glory.