News Summary
UFC 318 is set to take place in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center, featuring a highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. This fight marks Poirier’s final bout before retirement, adding emotional weight to an already charged atmosphere. With Holloway looking to bounce back from recent setbacks and Poirier aiming to leave a lasting legacy, fans are in for a thrilling night filled with significant fights across multiple divisions.
New Orleans Hosts Exciting UFC 318 Fight Card with Key Matchup Between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier
New Orleans, Louisiana — On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Smoothie King Center will serve as the venue for UFC 318, a highly anticipated event featuring prominent fighters from across the lightweight and featherweight divisions. The main attraction is a lightweight bout between Max Holloway, the current BMF (Baddest Mother F* in the Game) champion, and Dustin Poirier, who is ranked sixth in the lightweight rankings. This matchup carries significant implications, especially as it marks Poirier’s final fight before retirement.
Event Schedule and Broadcast Details
The UFC 318 main card is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Eastern Time, with preliminary bouts kicking off at 8 p.m. ET. Fans can stream the entire event via ESPN Pay-Per-View, which will showcase not only the headline fight but also several other notable bouts.
Fighter Backgrounds and Recent Form
Max Holloway, 33, is recognized as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. The former UFC featherweight champion has amassed a record of 26 wins and 8 losses, holding multiple UFC records, including the most finishes and knockouts in title fights. His career highlight includes multiple victories over high-profile opponents, including six former champions, and earning the title of fighter of the year in 2017.
Holloway’s recent performance includes a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024, which has temporarily paused his momentum. Despite that, he remains the betting favorite with odds of -148.
Dustin Poirier, 36, enters the bout with a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. Known for his durable fighting style andprevious victories over Holloway, Poirier is a former interim lightweight champion, having secured a unanimous decision victory at UFC 236“. His career highlights include notable wins over top contenders, making him a respected figure in the lightweight division.
Poirier’s recent form includes a submission loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. This fight will serve as his farewell bout, adding an emotional and historic element to the event.
Odds and Betting Insights
The fight has seen betting odds favoring Holloway at -148, whereas Poirier is considered the underdog at +124. These odds reflect Holloway’s reputation and recent wins, but Poirier’s experience and history against Holloway make this an intriguing matchup for bettors.
Expert betting analysis, provided by experienced handicappers, suggests that this fight could go either way. Poirier’s resilience and aggressive style pose a challenge to Holloway, who is known for his relentless pace and striking prowess.
Main Card Matchups and Other Notable Fights
In addition to the headliner, the UFC 318 card features notable bouts such as:
- Roman Kopylov (-225) versus Paulo Costa (+185) in a middleweight clash.
- Kevin Holland versus Daniel Rodriguez.
- Dan Ige versus Patrício Pitbull.
Preliminary bouts will also include:
- Marvin Vettori facing Brendan Allen.
- Nikolay Veretennikov versus Francisco Prado.
Historical Significance and Personal Narratives
This event is particularly poignant as it marks
Poirier’s retirement fight. The fighter has reflected on the significance of his upcoming bout, describing the contest against Holloway as poetic and symbolic of his UFC journey. Their history dates back to Poirier’s UFC debut against Holloway, making this fight an emotional and meaningful conclusion to Poirier’s career.
The matchup also highlights a clash of experience and youth, with Holloway’s record and records contrasted against Poirier’s resilience and gritty fighting style. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this final chapter unfolds, promising a memorable night for MMA enthusiasts.
Conclusion
UFC 318 in New Orleans promises to deliver a night filled with intense battles and historic moments. The main event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier is expected to attract significant attention due to their storied careers and the emotional weight of Poirier’s final fight. As the event approaches, fighters are preparing mentally and physically for what could be a landmark night in UFC history.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Orleans to Host UFC 318 with Poirier’s Retirement Fight
UFC 318 Returns to New Orleans for Trilogy Fight
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
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