The betting lines didn’t favor Dustin Poirier ending Max Holloway’s remarkable, winning streak, but “The Diamond” did just that at UFC 236.
Not long into the fight, Poirier cracked Holloway with a huge left that stunned him. Holloway started firing back, but moments later, Poirier hurt him again with a couple of massive rights. Holloway weathered the storm again, and began to counter, but the opening frame went to Poirier.
Holloway pressed forward in round two and started to land more often. Poirier attempted a takedown attempt but Holloway defended. Late in the round, Poirier stunned Holloway again with another, hard punch, but Holloway managed to survive the round.
In round three, the power advantage of Poirier was again very evident. Holloway kept coming, despite the fact his face was starting to wear the shots of Poirier. Late in the round, Holloway started to pour on punches, which prompted a takedown attempt from Poirier. Holloway countered with a vicious series of elbows before the round ended.
Poirier shot in moments into round four, but Holloway got back to his feet. Holloway continued his relentless pursuit and picked away at Poirier with punches. Poirier recovered, began pressing forward, and opened up a huge cut on the forehead of Holloway. As the horn for round four went, Holloway was working on a choke.
Poirier looked more refreshed in round five, and he continued to pick away at the bloodied face of Holloway. Later in the round, Poirier clinched up in search of a takedown, but was unable to get it. The two traded wild shots before the final horn went.
After the 25 minutes of action, Poirier was awarded the unanimous decision win and the interim lightweight title.
UFC 236
Interim Lightweight Championship
Dustin Poirier def. Max Holloway via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Interim Middleweight Championship
Israel Adesanya def. Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision (48-46, 48-46, 48-46)
Khalil Rountree def. Eryk Anders via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Dwight Grant def. Alan Jouban via split decision (29-28, 27-30, 29-28)
Nikita Krylov def. Ovince Saint Preux via submission (rear-naked-choke) R2, 2:30
Matt Frevola def. Jalin Turner via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Alexandre Pantoja def. Wilson Reis via TKO (punches) R1, 2:58
Max Griffin def. Zelim Imadaev via majority decision (29-27, 29-27, 28-28)
Khalid Taha def. Boston Salmon via TKO (punches) R1, 0:25
Belal Muhammad def. Curtis Millender via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 30-26)
Montel Jackson def. Andre Soukhamthath via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 29-27)
Poliana Botelho def. Lauren Mueller def. unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brandon Davis def. Randy Costa via submission (rear-naked-choke) R2, 1:12
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