News Summary
New Orleans is set to host UFC 318, with a major lightweight fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier at the Smoothie King Center. The event will showcase several notable matchups, with the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET and preliminary fights at 8 p.m. ET. Holloway aims to recover from a recent knockout loss, while Poirier faces a pivotal last fight in his career. This event promises high-stakes action and personal narratives that add depth to the championship bouts.
New Orleans Hosts UFC 318 Featuring Major Lightweight Fight Between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier
New Orleans will be the site of an eagerly anticipated UFC event on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center. The event, UFC 318, showcases a significant lightweight bout between Max Holloway, the current BMF champion and former UFC featherweight king, and Dustin Poirier, ranked sixth in the lightweight division. The fight promises to be a highlight, especially given the contrasting paths and histories of both fighters.
Main Card and Preliminary Details
The main card is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), following preliminary matches starting at 8 p.m. ET. All main card bouts will be available for streaming via ESPN Pay-Per-View, providing fans worldwide access to the event. Alongside the primary matchup, the card features several notable contests, including Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez and Dan Ige vs. Patrício Pitbull. Preliminaries will also include bouts like Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen and Nikolay Veretennikov vs. Francisco Prado.
Top Fight: Holloway vs. Poirier
The centerpiece of UFC 318 is the lightweight encounter between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Holloway arrives in New Orleans after a setback, having suffered a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024. Despite the loss, Holloway remains a prominent figure in UFC history, holding records for most finishes and knockouts in UFC title fights, and boasting a professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses. At 33 years old, he is widely recognized for his aggressive fighting style and storied career, which includes victories over six former UFC champions and being named MMAMania.com’s Fighter of the Year in 2017.
Poirier, 36, enters the bout with a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and one no contest. His recent form includes a submission defeat to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. Poirier has a history of significant wins, including a unanimous decision victory over Holloway at UFC 236 to claim the interim lightweight title. The upcoming fight is particularly notable as it is poised to be Poirier’s final UFC appearance before retirement, adding an emotional element to the matchup.
Betting Odds and Expert Analysis
According to betting odds, Holloway is favored to win with odds of -148, while Poirier is considered the underdog at +124. Analyzing the fight, betting experts highlight Holloway’s durability and record-setting achievements as factors favoring his victory. The fight’s significance extends beyond sport, especially for Poirier, who has called this fight “poetic” due to his UFC debut against Holloway and the chance to close his career on a high note.
Additional Context and Fight Card Overview
The UFC 318 card combines experienced veterans with promising prospects across multiple weight classes. Roman Kopylov will face Paulo Costa in a middleweight bout, with Kopylov holding odds of -225 and Costa at +185. This match adds to the competitive energy of the event, which features a mix of fighters aiming for career-defining victories.
This event marks a milestone in UFC history, balancing personal narratives like Poirier’s farewell with high-stakes competition. The broad array of bouts ensures an engaging spectator experience, with the lightweight main event serving as a highlight due to its potential implications for division rankings and fighter legacies.
Summary
In sum, UFC 318 in New Orleans delivers a compelling mix of fights, led by the lightweight battle between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. While Holloway aims to bounce back from a recent loss and cement his legacy, Poirier prepares for what could be his final MMA fight, reflecting on a career filled with notable triumphs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these two fighters bring their stories to the octagon in a match that promises excitement and significance across the MMA community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dustin Poirier’s Final UFC Fight to Take Place in New Orleans
UFC 318 Returns to New Orleans with Holloway vs. Poirier Trilogy
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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