After five furious rounds only true warriors could sustain, we all waited for the judge’s decision.

“And new interim lightweight champion of the world, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier!”

The collective hearts of all Hawaii must have sunk together. How we hoped Max Holloway’s name would have been spoken. It was an admirable showing by Max. He and his team should be extremely proud. It is typical for fighters to move from their hometowns to seek high-level training elsewhere; the fact that Max stays home shows his camp is legit.

As great as the fight was, it was most moving to hear and see Max congratulate the winner and even each member of the victor’s family. It was no surprise. As this is the guy who after his first title win and upon his return to Hawaii with the belt, made it equally about his fighting partner, Yancy Medeiros.

Mark Ida

Salt Lake

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