UFC 318: Poirier set for final fight in 'Hometown Showdown' against Holloway

UFC 318 is set for a thrilling climax as Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier face off in a highly anticipated trilogy bout for Holloway’s 'BMF' title this Saturday in New Orleans. The showdown marks the final fight of Poirier’s storied career, and it carries extra emotion as it takes place in his home state - his first fight in Louisiana in a decade.

The two fighters have met twice before, with Poirier winning both times - their 2012 encounter and a memorable 2019 war that earned him the UFC interim lightweight title. This third clash is not just about the belt, but legacy, closure, and fireworks for the fans.




Poirier, 36, expressed gratitude and pride about ending his career in front of a hometown crowd, stating, "If you chase your dreams, anything is possible." He also confirmed Lil Wayne will accompany him for his walkout and potentially join in a belt ceremony if he wins.

Holloway, who claimed the symbolic 'BMF' belt with a stunning knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, welcomed the challenge of being the villain in enemy territory.

"Bring out more of the boos, please. That’s what I like to hear," the Hawaiian fighter joked, while also showing respect for Poirier’s retirement bout.


Both fighters refrained from making bold predictions but promised an unforgettable performance—one that could rival their epic 2019 fight. With high stakes, history, and raw emotion at play, UFC 318’s main event promises to be a fitting send-off for Poirier and another defining moment for Holloway.

Despite holding two prior victories over Holloway and fighting in front of his home-state crowd, Poirier enters the bout as a slight underdog at +110 odds, according to BetMGM.

HOW TO WATCH HOLLOWAY-POIRIER UFC 318 FIGHT IN US

• Date: July 19, Saturday
• Start time: Prelims 7PM ET/Main Card: 10PM ET
• Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
• TV Channel: PPV via ESPN+

UFC 318: FULL FIGHT CARD

• Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier
• Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov
• Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez
• Dan Ige vs Patricio Pitbull
• Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber

UFC 318: PRELIMINARY CARD

• Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius Oliviera
• Marvin Vettori vs Brendan Allen
• Francisco Prado vs Nikolay Veretenikov
• Ateba Gautier vs Robert Valentin

UFC 318: EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD

• Adam Fugitt vs Islam Dulatov
• Jimmy Crute vs Marcin Prachnio
• Ryan Spann vs Lukasz Brzeski
• Brunno Ferreira vs Jackson McVey
• Carli Judice vs Nicolle Caliari