News Summary
UFC 318 is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, featuring a main event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. The fight will occur after thrilling preliminary bouts, with high stakes as Poirier may be facing his final competition. Holloway seeks redemption after his recent loss, while Poirier aims for a triumphant conclusion to his career. Fans can expect an action-packed night filled with intriguing matchups and seasoned fighters.
New Orleans is set to host a highly anticipated mixed martial arts showdown at UFC 318, featuring an exciting main event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The fight, taking place at the Smoothie King Center, will kick off the main card at 10 p.m. ET, with preliminary bouts starting earlier at 8 p.m. ET.
Max Holloway, the current BMF champion, is looking to bounce back from a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024. He is the betting favorite for this matchup, with odds set at -148. His opponent, Dustin Poirier, who holds the sixth rank in the lightweight division, comes into the fight after suffering a defeat by submission against Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. Poirier is considered the underdog with odds at +124.
In addition to the main event, the co-main fight will feature a middleweight bout between Roman Kopylov, favored at -225, and Paulo Costa, who is the underdog at +185. Overall, the card includes several intriguing matchups such as Kevin Holland facing Daniel Rodriguez and Dan Ige battling Patrício Pitbull. Preliminary fights include a clash between Marvin Vettori and Brendan Allen, along with Nikolay Veretennikov against Francisco Prado.
This matchup carries additional weight as it is rumored to be Poirier’s final fight, adding a special narrative to his encounter with Holloway. Poirier reflected on the event by emphasizing the significance of their rivalry, recalling the history of their previous encounters, where Poirier claimed victory in both of their prior bouts. Notably, Poirier secured a unanimous decision victory at UFC 236 to clinch the interim lightweight title.
Max Holloway, now 33 years old, remains a prominent figure in UFC history with a professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses. The Hawaiian-born fighter has not only held the featherweight championship but has also set multiple records in UFC title fights, including the most finishes and knockouts. His legacy is further enhanced with victories over six former UFC champions and recognition as MMAMania.com’s Fighter of the Year in 2017.
Dustin Poirier, aged 36, boasts a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and one no contest. He has successfully fought against several top-tier opponents throughout his career and is widely respected in the MMA community. His story in the octagon began with his debut against Holloway, and their impending fight serves as a poignant closure to his illustrious career.
The pay-per-view event highlights the mix of seasoned veterans and rising prospects across various weight classes, offering fans an entertaining night filled with high-stakes competition. The entire main card will be available for streaming via ESPN Pay-Per-View, ensuring widespread access for MMA enthusiasts eager to witness this thrilling encounter.
As the fight night approaches, excitement continues to build among fans and analysts alike, with many eager to see if Holloway can reclaim his dominance in the lightweight division or if Poirier will ride into the sunset with a triumphant farewell. UFC 318 is shaping up to be an event not to be missed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dustin Poirier to Retire After Final Match Against Max Holloway
UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier Trilogy Highlights New Orleans Event
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: UFC 318 Odds & Predictions
- UFC: Official Weigh-In Results
- USA Today: UFC 318 Predictions & How to Watch
- ESPN Press Room: UFC 318 Announcement
- BBC Sport: UFC 318 Coverage
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
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.
