News Summary
UFC 318 is set to take place in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center, featuring a highly anticipated trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. This marks the UFC’s first event in the city in over a decade, with both fighters aiming to make a significant statement in their careers. The card also includes a co-main event with Paulo Costa versus Roman Kopylov, among other exciting matchups. As anticipation builds, the event promises to deliver memorable moments for MMA fans.
New Orleans Hosts UFC 318 Featuring Highly Anticipated Trilogy Fight
New Orleans, LA – The city is set to host UFC 318 on Saturday at the Smoothie King Center, marking the UFC’s first return to the city in over a decade. The event promises to deliver a highly anticipated main event featuring a trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier.
Main Event: Holloway vs. Poirier
The main attraction is a BMF title fight between the two fighters, with their rivalry spanning approximately 13 years. This fight is the third encounter between Holloway and Poirier, with Poirier holding the edge by winning both previous matches. Fans and analysts see this contest as a defining moment in both fighters’ careers, especially for Poirier, who plans to retire after this bout.
Max Holloway currently maintains an MMA record of 26 wins and 8 losses. The former featherweight champion previously claimed the BMF title through a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. Since then, Holloway moved back to the featherweight division but faced a setback in a recent fight against Ilia Topuria, which resulted in a loss.
Dustin Poirier, fighting in his home state of Louisiana, boasts a record of 30 wins and 9 losses. His last fight was at UFC 302, where he suffered a loss to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Poirier has announced his intent to retire following this upcoming fight, adding a layer of finality and significance to the matchup.
Underpinning the Event: Co-Main and Other Fights
The co-main event features a matchup between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. Costa, who recently lost to Sean Strickland at UFC 302, is looking to bounce back and seek redemption. Kopylov has been on a strong streak, winning six of his last seven fights, including a recent victory over Chris Curtis.
Additional bouts on the main card include Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez, Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull, and Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber. These matchups contribute to an action-packed evening, featuring numerous critical divisional contests and promising talent across the roster.
Event Details and Viewing Information
The fight card will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Ticket sales are currently ongoing, and the event is expected to generate considerable excitement, especially as a highlight of the summer MMA schedule.
Historical Context and Public Interest
This event marks the return of UFC to New Orleans after a ten-year absence, drawing attention from local fans and the broader MMA community. The Holloway vs. Poirier fight has been highly anticipated for years, symbolizing a long-standing rivalry that has captured the interest of fight enthusiasts nationwide.
Regarding recent form, Holloway’s last victory was over Justin Gaethje, while Poirier’s most recent bout was against Benoit Saint Denis in March 2025. Bookmakers favor Holloway, who is more than a two-to-one favorite to win the fight, reflecting his strong betting odds ahead of Saturday’s showdown.
Public Engagement and Event Atmosphere
In the lead-up to the fight, Holloway and Poirier participated in a face-off at Jackson Square, a popular location in New Orleans, heightening public anticipation. Fans are eager to see whether Poirier can extend his winning streak or if Holloway will reclaim victory in this epic trilogy match.
Conclusion
UFC 318 stands as a significant event in mixed martial arts, combining high-stakes rivalry, promising matchups, and a historic return to New Orleans. With top fighters and an exciting card, the event is poised to be a memorable night of combat sports entertainment.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- UFC: Fight Preview UFC 318 – Holloway vs Poirier 3
- Sports Illustrated: UFC 318 Max Holloway Rankings Update
- MMA Fighting: UFC 318 Fight Card Start Time
- WWLTV: When is UFC 318 in New Orleans?
- BetMGM: UFC 318 Fight Card Predictions and Odds
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google Search: UFC 318
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: UFC 318
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