UFC commentator Joe Rogan was left astonished when Max Holloway revealed his unconventional method for learning striking in MMA. Holloway is set to return to the Octagon this July for a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 318, which Poirier has stated will be his final fight. Holloway will defend the BMF title he famously won by knocking out Justin Gaethje in the final second of their UFC 300 fight in April, a moment that became one of the most viral in UFC history. Leading up to their trilogy fight in Louisiana, Poirier has proposed a rule change, suggesting BMF title fights follow PRIDE rules.
Holloway`s Unusual Striking Education
A staple of the UFC since his debut against Poirier in 2012 (where he was submitted in the first round), the Hawaiian showed early promise despite the loss, displaying significant skill and heart. However, Holloway`s path to mastering striking was highly unusual, leaving UFC veteran Joe Rogan visibly shocked upon learning his method.
Recalling his early UFC days, Holloway shared, “My first seven fights… you know the UFC (video) game? I`d use Renan Barao and Jose Aldo and do stuff with them, and I`d think, `Oh yeah, this works in the game, so…` and I`d say, `Look, I tried this in the game and it was working, let`s try it.` And we did it. I figured out striking from the regular UFC game.”
A stunned Rogan exclaimed, “What?!”
“You learned how to strike from video games? I thought, `Oh, he went to a traditional karate school, and then he started studying Muay Thai when he was 10.` No!” Rogan continued.
Holloway fought multiple early UFC bouts without a dedicated striking coach, relying on lessons learned from the initial UFC video game.
Dustin Poirier Prepares for Final Training Camp
The announcement of this trilogy fight has generated significant excitement among fans, especially given their history – an initial meeting early in their careers and a short-notice rematch in 2019. With this potentially being Poirier`s last fight, the lightweight division faces a change. His wife marked the start of his final training camp on Instagram, writing, “And the journey begins! Still doesn’t feel real that you’re heading out for your final training camp. We love you so so much, see you soon.”
Jack Thornley