Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway: The Knockout of 2024 and What Dustin Poirier Thinks
2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary for fight fans, with a calendar full of thrilling matchups, epic showdowns, and unforgettable moments in the Octagon. As the year nears its end, the UFC has not only showcased some of the best fighters in the world but also seen new champions emerge and seasoned veterans cement their legacies. Among those making waves is Dustin Poirier, a prominent figure in the 155lbs division, who recently shared his thoughts on the standout performance of 2024: Ilia Topuria’s stunning knockout of Max Holloway.
The Year of Knockouts: UFC’s Electrifying Moments
From the landmark UFC 300 to the vibrant UFC Noche and the star-studded events in Abu Dhabi and New York City, 2024 was a year where the Octagon truly became the battlefield for the sport’s biggest names. The UFC saw a mixture of new stars rising and veterans defending their turf. Ilia Topuria made headlines early in the year by claiming the featherweight title in a second-round knockout against Alexander Volkanovski, ending the reign of one of the UFC’s greatest champions. This victory set the stage for a pivotal title defense against the legendary Max Holloway.
The Knockout That Stunned the World
The matchup between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway was one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Topuria, nicknamed ‘El Matador’, delivered on the hype with a stunning third-round knockout in October 2024. The victory was not just any win; it was a statement. Holloway, known for his incredible durability and striking skills, had never been knocked out before. To achieve such a feat was a monumental achievement for Topuria, who emerged as the new top dog at 145lbs and a force to be reckoned with in the division.
During an interview on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast with Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Dustin Poirier didn’t mince words when he discussed the knockout that defined the year for him. “For me, personally, it’s gotta be Topuria knocking out Max. He’s a legend, a multiple-time world champion, one of the best guys to ever do it. And Topuria was the first man to put him on his a** and knock him out, you know. That was super impressive for me,” Poirier stated, clearly still in awe of the moment.
Why This Knockout Mattered
Dustin Poirier’s choice of Topuria’s knockout of Holloway as the best of 2024 wasn’t just about the moment itself. It symbolized a shift in the featherweight division, a changing of the guard where a new generation of fighters emerged to challenge the old. For Poirier, who has faced his share of legends in the Octagon, seeing Topuria dethrone one of the sport’s greatest underscored the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. “Max Holloway is a guy who’s been at the top for a long time,” Poirier noted. “To see someone come in and knock him out, it’s like, ‘Damn, this sport’s always evolving.’”
Topuria’s performance was not just about the knockout; it was about making a statement. He proved that he wasn’t just a flash in the pan but a genuine threat in the featherweight division. His fight against Holloway was a test, a chance to prove himself as the rightful champion. And in every sense of the word, Topuria passed that test with flying colors.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of 2024
As the UFC looks forward to 2025, it’s clear that 2024 will be remembered for more than just Topuria’s knockout of Holloway. It was a year of growth and change in the sport, with new stars emerging and established fighters setting new benchmarks. For Dustin Poirier, who has been a constant in the lightweight division, the year was about witnessing the next wave of talent.
“I’m excited to see where the sport goes next,” Poirier said, reflecting on the year. “We’re seeing these new champions, new faces, new stories. That’s what makes MMA so special—no one knows what’s going to happen next.”
As the dust settles on 2024, one thing is clear: the UFC is still the home for the best fighters in the world, and every fight, every knockout, and every win is a reminder of just how unpredictable and thrilling the sport can be. Ilia Topuria’s knockout of Max Holloway wasn’t just a moment in time; it was a changing of the guard, a symbol of the new era in the featherweight division. For fight fans, it’s a year they won’t soon forget.
