UFC 318 Constructed as Venue for Dustin Poirier's Farewell Showcase, Overseen by Dana White
With the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans set to play host for the first UFC event in over a decade, anticipation builds for UFC 318 on July 19, 2025. After ten years of waiting, the city can finally witness the return of the UFC, with Dana White stating that the pay-per-view card has been specifically tailored for Dustin Poirier, as it is scheduled to be his retirement fight. Poirier will square off in a much-anticipated trilogy bout against Max Holloway in the main event.
UFC 318: No Retirement Speech Needed – Just Fights
"Throughout the world, Dustin Poirier is a beacon of light for us," says Dana White, UFC CEO. "He's achieved a lot in this sport, and this fight is for him. We're here to wrap up his career in New Orleans."
In this highly-anticipated third fight of their storied rivalry, the BMF title will be at stake, currently held by Holloway. Poirier, hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, has faced tough competition throughout his career, gaining impressive victories against Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and many others.
The Path to the Triple Threat
Dustin Poirier, a UFC fighter since 2011, has been a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. After amassing a 16-4-0-1 record between 2011 and 2018, he earned a shot at Max Holloway for the interim UFC lightweight title. In a hard-fought contest, Poirier clinched the interim crown, affirming his place as one of the UFC's top lightweight fighters.
The Unforgettable Title Unification Battle
Poirier's reign as interim UFC champion came to an end in a title unification bout against Khabib Nurmagomedov in September 2019. Despite the defeat, Poirier continued to climb up the ranks, facing and defeating Conor McGregor twice and even earning a shot at the UFC lightweight title, though he ultimately lost to Charles Oliveira.
Determined to make one final impact before hanging up his gloves, Poirier finds himself paired with his fiercest rival in a trilogy bout that fans have eagerly awaited.
Max Holloway: The Featherweight Demon
With an impressive UFC record spanning back to 2012, Max Holloway has consistently shown his dominance in the organization, breaking record after record. Holloway has boasted a 13 fight win streak, has secured the most knockouts in the UFC, and has logged the most fight time in the organization's history.
Holloway's championship run began in June 2017 when he claimed the featherweight title with a knockout against Jose Aldo. He would defend that title against Aldo again, in addition to Brian Ortega and Frankie Edgar. Holloway also attempted to capture the interim UFC lightweight belt, but came up short against Poirier.
Theadelphian: Blood and Glory
Holloway's championship reign came to an end in December 2019, as Alexander Volkanovski bested him by decision. Volkanovski retained the title in a rematch, but max "Blessed" Holloway bounced back, taking home the BMF title in a battle against Justin Gaethje. That fight, deemed "Fight of the Year" by many, earned Holloway the knockout loss of his career at the hands of Ilia Topuria in October 2024.
Holloway enters the trilogy bout against Poirier as the BMF champion, eager to secure a much-needed victory and reclaim his position at the top of the UFC's rankings. The odds are stacked, as these two heavyweight titans prepare for battle in the Crescent City. Expect a night of unforgettable fights and unrelenting action as the UFC brings its thunderous return to New Orleans.
"This UFC 318 affair in New Orleans presents an incredible collision of two titans, Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, in their much-anticipated trilogy bout for the BMF title, a testament to the world of mixed-martial-arts and the UFC's rich history."
"In the heart of sports action, the Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, hosts the returning UFC 318 event, marking a significant milestone for both the city and its fighters like Poirier and Holloway, two names synonymous with the UFC's many years of quality mixed-martial-arts entertainment."
