Dustin Poirier Vs Max Holloway 3 Scorecards: Full Breakdown

The long‑awaited third meeting between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway finally took place at UFC 318. Both fighters entered the octagon with a perfect 1‑0 record against each other, and the bout quickly turned into a tactical showcase that left fans debating the final verdict. Below is a detailed look at the official scorecards, round‑by‑round analysis, and what the numbers reveal about this historic clash.

Official Scorecard Summary

The three judges on the panel scored the fight as follows:

With two judges favoring Holloway, the official decision was a split decision victory for the former featherweight champion. The narrow margins—each judge awarding just one round to the opponent—highlight how evenly matched the competitors were throughout the five‑round fight.

Round‑by‑Round Score Breakdown

  1. Round 1: Holloway set the pace with a high‑volume jab and controlled distance. Judge #1 and #3 gave the round to Holloway, while Judge #2 saw Poirier landing the decisive power shots, awarding him the round.
  2. Round 2: Poirier responded with a series of leg kicks followed by a crisp left hook that visibly rocked Holloway. All three judges agreed that Poirier edged this round, marking his first clear advantage.
  3. Round 3: Both fighters exchanged blows in the center of the octagon. Holloway’s relentless pressure and effective counters earned him the nod from Judges #1 and #3; Judge #2 still favored Poirier for his power.
  4. Round 4: Poirier’s grappling entered the equation, securing a brief clinch and delivering short, impactful punches from the inside. The round was split, with Judge #2 giving it to Poirier and the other two judges calling it a draw, effectively keeping the score at 48‑47 for Holloway on two cards.
  5. Round 5: The final round was a frantic exchange. Holloway’s stamina shone as he maintained a higher output, while Poirier landed a critical uppercut that almost finished the fight. Judges #1 and #3 again favored Holloway, sealing the split decision.

Key Statistics Supporting the Scorecards

Statistical data from the fight aligns closely with the judges’ narrow margins: