Dustin Poirier disputes the claim that “Blessed” was never put down

Throughout the UFC 308 promotion, and in reference to Max Holloway’s insane stamina, it has been emphasized time and time again that “Blessed” has never been knocked down in his 29-fight promotional career.

While that is indeed a fantastic record that fuels tonight’s title fight, that doesn’t mean everyone is comfortable with the claim that Holloway was never dropped.

In fact, fan-favorite former champion Dustin Poirier recently sat down with Din Thomas to relive his UFC 236 title fight against Holloway. and argued that “Blessed” actually hit the deck after landing a series of shots at the end of the second round.

“This is a blast; “That’s a slam dunk,” Poirier exclaimed excitedly as they watched, claiming that the fence had served as a “safety net” to prevent Holloway from completely collapsing.

“They didn’t call it precipitation; I would have been the first to put him down.”

Interestingly, Holloway himself also disputes the claim that he has never been knocked down before – although not during his rematch with Poirier, but during his legendary clash with Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

“It didn’t count as a drop, which is crazy,” Holloway said in a previous appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast: “ESPN is like saying I didn’t get anything dropped in so many fights with the UFC.”

“I think this is bullshit – get Justin down. I’ll take it, you know what I mean? I wouldn’t be a man to sit here and tell you I wasn’t (left behind).”

“I was fine – as soon as I stood up, it was like, ‘Boom, the legs just give out… I was still there even when I was standing, I was looking at them… I don’t know how that didn’t count as a drop, I don’t know what they count as a drop. That was crazy.”

According to UFC statistics, neither losses to Poirier nor Gaethje were counted.

Dustin Poirier gives his prediction for UFC 308: Topuria-Holloway title showdown

Having faced Holloway twice in the octagon, Dustin Poirier knows better than most the dangers of “Blessed” standup.

“I would never bet against Max, and if I did bet, I would bet on Max Holloway,” Poirier claimed during his SportsCenter segment earlier this week.

“Especially when it comes to plus money as an underdog, he is the former champion and I think he gets his belt back… (Ilia) Topuria is the world champion, a very dangerous striker and a big puncher in his own right, but about it Express: Max Holloway will be tough – taking him out will be a tall order.

“I think Max will win a decision,” predicted “The Diamond,” who agrees with around 41% of Tapology Community Picks on the issue.

“Topuria is a tough man himself, but I think Max will win by decision.”

UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway takes place tonight, live from the UAE.

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