Dustin Poirier disputes the claim that ‘Blessed’ was never shot

Over the course of UFC 308 marketing and in regards to Max Holloway’s insane durability, it has been repeatedly promoted that ‘Blessed’ has never been knocked down in his 29-fight career in the promotion.

While that is indeed a fantastic record to hold and one that will boost tonight’s title fight, that doesn’t mean everyone is satisfied with the claim that Holloway was never cut.

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’ hit the deck after landing a flurry of shots at the end of the second round.

“That’s a downer; That’s right there, right there,” Poirier said excitedly as they watched, claiming the fence acted as a “safety net” to prevent Holloway from falling completely.

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

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

“It didn’t count as a drop, which is crazy,” Holloway explained during a previous appearance on the Joe Rogan Podcast: “ESPN is like posting it and saying no matter how many fights I’m in with the UFC, I’ve dropped.

“I’m like, that’s some bulls*** – take Justin down. I’ll take it, you know what I mean? I wouldn’t be a guy sitting here and telling you I didn’t (get dropped).”

“I was doing fine – as soon as I got up it was one of those things like, boom, the legs just gave out… I was still there even when I was standing, I was looking at them… I don’t know how that counted like a drop, I don’t know what they count as a drop. That was crazy.”

According to the UFC statistics, neither the knockdowns against Poirier nor Gaethje were counted.

Dustin Poirier makes his prediction for UFC 308: Topuria vs Holloway title showdown

Considering he’s faced Holloway in the octagon twice, Dustin Poirier knows the dangers that ‘Blessed’ can present in stand-up better than most.

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

“Especially when he is the underdog, he is the former champion and I think he will get his title back… (Ilia) Topuria is the world champion, a very dangerous striker and a big puncher himself, but just to put it plainly, Max Holloway will those are difficult – knocking him out will be a tall task.

“I think Max is going to win a decision,” predicted ‘The Diamond’, who is on par with about 41% of Tapology Community Picks at this point.

“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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