UFC 318 in New Orleans promised a night of high-octane mixed martial arts, and it certainly delivered. Amidst the octagon`s controlled chaos, one particular bout was etched into the minds of many viewers as an instant classic: the highly anticipated BMF title clash between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. What transpired was a five-round masterclass in resilience and striking prowess, leaving fans breathless. Yet, as the dust settled and the performance bonuses were announced, a palpable sense of confusion, and indeed, agitation, began to brew for two of the night`s central figures.
The “Fight of the Night” award, a coveted accolade accompanied by a tidy $50,000 bonus for each participant, is typically reserved for the contest that most captivated the audience with its back-and-forth action, significant moments, and sheer entertainment value. Given the epic nature of Holloway versus Poirier – a main event, a BMF title on the line, and both fighters tasting the canvas at different points – it seemed a foregone conclusion. However, the UFC brass had other ideas, awarding the bonus instead to Brendan Allen and Marvin Vettori for their emotionally charged preliminary bout.
A Backstage Rhapsody of Disbelief
In the aftermath, newly released backstage footage captured a raw moment of genuine disbelief and good-natured frustration between the two gladiators. Max Holloway, known for his laid-back demeanor outside the cage, was visibly perplexed as he recounted the decision to Dustin Poirier. “Bro, how did we not get Fight of the Night?” Holloway queried, a hint of incredulity in his voice. Poirier, usually the more reserved of the two, appeared equally bewildered.
Holloway`s playful exasperation continued, targeting the ultimate decision-maker. “No, it’s some bulls—, go tell f—ing Dana. Tell him he’s the f—ing man, kiss his a–. They gave it to freaking Allen and Vettori.” One could almost hear the collective sigh of a thousand fight fans nodding in agreement. Holloway`s rhetorical volley underscored the perceived injustice: “I don’t even know, we almost finished each other in the same damn round! What the hell, bro?” It was a poignant, if slightly comedic, lamentation on the subjective nature of judging performances, even those seemingly obvious.
The Unspoken Criteria of `Fight of the Night`
This incident throws a spotlight on the often-murky criteria for these performance bonuses. While Allen and Vettori delivered a compelling grudge match, a main event featuring two of the sport`s most decorated strikers, fighting for a symbolic `BMF` belt, enduring five punishing rounds, and exchanging knockdowns, seems to tick every conceivable box for a “Fight of the Night.” Holloway and Poirier collectively boast 28 performance bonuses between them, a testament to their consistent ability to deliver thrilling contests. For their final, rubber-match encounter to be overlooked raises an eyebrow, suggesting that perhaps the narrative or emotional stakes of another fight, even on the preliminary card, might occasionally outweigh the technical brilliance and sheer sustained violence of a championship-caliber main event.
One might wonder if the sheer expectation of brilliance from Holloway and Poirier somehow worked against them. When a fight is anticipated to be a war, does it need to transcend `war` to earn the bonus? Or perhaps the unexpected fire of a prelim bout simply burns brighter in the immediate aftermath for those making the call. It`s an intriguing thought, certainly providing material for future barroom debates among the MMA faithful.
A Trilogy for the Ages, Bonus or Not
Despite the financial snub, the third chapter of the Holloway-Poirier saga will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in both men`s careers. Their journey began over a decade ago in February 2012, with Poirier securing an early submission. Seven years later, they met again, this time for the interim lightweight title, a grueling five-round affair that Poirier won by decision. Their final encounter at UFC 318, with the BMF title on the line, saw Holloway emerge victorious, culminating a remarkable trilogy that showcased their evolution as martial artists.
The fact that this fight, a conclusion to an epic rivalry, did not receive the official “Fight of the Night” recognition is a curious footnote to an otherwise stellar event. For fans, however, the entertainment value and the sheer display of grit from both Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier far outweighed any official sanction. Sometimes, the true reward is the indelible mark left on the sport`s history, even if it doesn`t come with an extra $50,000.
