News Summary
UFC fighter Dustin Poirier is preparing for his anticipated retirement match against Max Holloway at UFC 318 in New Orleans. This bout marks the third encounter between the two fighters, with Poirier holding a 2-0 advantage. As Poirier fights in his home state for the last time, he looks to conclude a remarkable career filled with prestigious victories, including notable names like Conor McGregor. Holloway, the defending BMF champion, will also bring high stakes to the fight, making this event one of the most awaited in UFC history.
New Orleans – UFC fighter Dustin Poirier is set to retire after his highly anticipated match against Max Holloway at UFC 318, scheduled for July 18, 2025. This bout, which is being labeled as a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters, will take place in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana, further adding to the emotional weight of the event.
This fight marks the third matchup between Poirier and Holloway, with Poirier having a strong advantage in their history, leading the series 2-0. Their initial encounter occurred in 2012 when Poirier submitted Holloway. The fighters squared off again in 2019, where Poirier bested Holloway by decision, capturing the interim lightweight title. With both fighters not only competing for personal pride but also for prestige, the stakes are high for this trilogy fight.
Holloway, who is a former UFC featherweight champion, will be defending his ceremonial BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) championship in this contest. He won this title following an impressive Knockout of the Year performance against Justin Gaethje in 2024. The clash between these two seasoned fighters has been framed as one of the most anticipated battles in UFC history, set to generate significant excitement among fans.
The atmosphere will be further electrified as Poirier makes his walk to the Octagon accompanied by acclaimed rapper and Louisiana native Lil Wayne. Poirier expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he has received as he prepares for the final fight of his illustrious career, indicating the significance of this event beyond just another match up.
The co-main event of UFC 318 will feature a middleweight clash between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov, promising additional action on the fight card. Additional matchups on the main card include Kevin Holland against Daniel Rodriguez, Dan Ige facing Patricio Pitbull, and Michael Johnson squaring off with Daniel Zellhuber. The excitement is not limited to the main event, promising a night filled with high-stakes competitions.
UFC 318 will be broadcast on ESPN+ via pay-per-view, starting at 10 p.m. ET. The prelims will kick off at 8 p.m. ET, with early prelims beginning at 6 p.m. ET. Fans can look forward to five rounds in the Poirier vs. Holloway main event, while the other bouts will consist of three rounds each.
As of now, Poirier holds an impressive career record of 30 wins and 9 losses, showcasing his skill and resilience within the sport. His notable victories include high-profile names such as Conor McGregor, solidifying his reputation as one of the elite fighters in the division. Meanwhile, Holloway enters the brawl with a record of 26 wins and 8 losses, having made a name for himself as one of the top contenders in the featherweight division and now, the titleholder of the BMF championship.
UFC 318 stands as a significant event not just for the fighters involved but also for the legacy of the sport itself. Poirier’s last fight in New Orleans dates back to 2015, when he fought Yancy Medeiros at a UFC Fight Night event. The return home in his retirement fight allows him to close a chapter on a remarkable journey, garnering support from local fans and MMA enthusiasts alike.
As the UFC gears up for this historic event, fans eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling night of fights, concluding with one of the sport’s most celebrated athletes stepping away from the Octagon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier Showdown Set for New Orleans
Dustin Poirier to Retire After Final Match Against Max Holloway
UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier Trilogy Highlights New Orleans Event
Additional Resources
- UFC Official Weigh-in Results
- ESPN: How to Watch UFC 318
- BBC Sport: UFC 318 Preview
- Wikipedia: Dustin Poirier
- Google Search: UFC 318
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
