Islam Makhachev is cheering for his friend Dustin Poirier. In a recent okko.mma interview, the former UFC lightweight champion expressed full support for Poirier’s final fight at UFC 318. Set for July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, Poirier faces Max Holloway in his retirement bout. Makhachev, who vacated his title to chase welterweight gold, believes Poirier will shine.
Makhachev’s Support for Poirier
Makhachev showed strong confidence in Poirier.
“100% [I will root for Dustin]. He’s my guy, I will root for him,” Makhachev shared in a recent okko.mma interview. “We text each other a lot. And this is his last fight, I think he will come out at his peak. I wish him luck and I think he will win.”
Their friendship has grown through years of training together.
Islam Makhachev is rooting for Dustin Poirier this weekend 💪
“100% [I will root for Dustin]. He’s my guy, I will root for him. We text each other a lot. And this is his last fight, I think he will come out at his peak. I wish him luck and I think he will win.”
🎥 IG / Okko MMA… pic.twitter.com/FGQC4gsPr4
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 18, 2025
The two fighters share a close bond. Both have trained at American Top Team in Florida, building a connection beyond the octagon. Makhachev sees Poirier’s skills giving him an edge against Holloway, the current BMF titleholder, in this high-stakes fight.
Dustin Poirier, with a 30-9 record, has been a UFC star since 2011. He won the interim lightweight title against Max Holloway at UFC 236 in April 2019 but lost undisputed title shots to Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019 and Makhachev in June 2024 at UFC 302. He has key wins over Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez.
Islam Makhachev, with a 27-1 record, was the UFC lightweight champion until May 2025. He won the title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022 and defended it four times, including against Poirier. He vacated the belt to move to welterweight, targeting a title fight against Jack Della Maddalena later in 2025.
Max Holloway, with a 26-8 record, is a former featherweight champion and current BMF titleholder. He won the BMF belt with a knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. He lost to Poirier twice, by submission at UFC 143 in February 2012 and by decision at UFC 236. His last fight was a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024.
UFC 318 marks Poirier’s final fight, a major moment in his career. Facing Holloway for the BMF title in his home state of Louisiana adds meaning. Their past fights saw Poirier win by triangle-armbar in 2012 and unanimous decision in 2019, setting up a trilogy. The lightweight bout is expected to draw huge fan interest.
Makhachev’s support highlights Poirier’s impact on MMA. Now preparing for a welterweight title shot against Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev’s words carry weight. Poirier aims to retire with a victory, while Holloway seeks his first win in their series and to defend his BMF title.
