UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 – A Historic Night in New Orleans

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans is set to host an electrifying night of mixed martial arts as UFC 318 takes center stage on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The event, headlined by the third and final encounter between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, promises to be a historic moment for the UFC, as the BMF title is on the line in a fight that caps off Poirier’s illustrious career.

Weigh-Ins and Final Preparations

On Friday, July 18, all 28 fighters on the UFC 318 card successfully made weight, ensuring a smooth lead-up to the event. The main event competitors, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, came in at 155 and 156 pounds, respectively, during the official weigh-ins held at the UFC host hotel in New Orleans. As reported by MMA Junkie, Poirier, a Louisiana native, was the first to step on the scale, signaling his readiness to close his career in front of his home crowd.

The ceremonial weigh-ins later that evening at the Smoothie King Center drew an energetic crowd, with fans eagerly anticipating the showdown. Holloway enters the fight as a slight favorite, holding a betting line of -148, while Poirier is the underdog at +124, according to CBSSports. The stakes are high as the two fighters meet for the third time, with Poirier having secured victories in their previous bouts in 2012 and 2019.

The Main Event: Holloway vs. Poirier 3

Max Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, is known for his relentless striking and high fight IQ. The 33-year-old former featherweight champion holds an impressive record of 26-8 and is ranked No. 5 in the UFC lightweight rankings. Despite a recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, Holloway remains a formidable opponent, boasting the most finishes and knockouts in UFC title fights.

Dustin Poirier, at 36 years old, has built a legacy as one of the most accomplished fighters in the lightweight division. With a career record of 30-9, Poirier has achieved 15 knockout wins and earned Fight of the Night honors 10 times. His last victory over Holloway came in 2019 at UFC 236, where he claimed the interim lightweight championship. As noted by Sherdog, this fight will mark Poirier’s final appearance in the Octagon, adding an emotional dimension to the contest.

The Co-Main Event and Key Matchups

In the co-main event, middleweight contenders Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov will face off in a pivotal bout. Costa, a former title challenger, is looking to reestablish himself in the division, while Kopylov, riding a wave of momentum, is the betting favorite at -225.

The main card also features Kevin Holland taking on Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight clash, and Dan Ige battling Patricio Freire in a featherweight bout. The preliminary card, highlighted by Brendan Allen versus Marvin Vettori, showcases a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans, ensuring action-packed fights throughout the evening.

As reported by UFC.com, the event will be broadcast live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET, followed by prelims at 8 p.m. ET, and the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET.

Historical Context and Legacy

Holloway and Poirier’s rivalry dates back over a decade, making their third meeting a significant moment in UFC history. Their contrasting styles—Holloway’s volume striking versus Poirier’s power and durability—have made for compelling matchups in the past. This fight not only determines the holder of the BMF title but also cements the legacy of both fighters in the sport.

For Poirier, fighting in his home state of Louisiana adds a layer of sentimentality, as he bids farewell to the sport that has defined much of his life. Holloway, on the other hand, seeks redemption and the opportunity to solidify his status as one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

UFC 318 is more than just a fight card; it is a celebration of two iconic careers and a testament to the enduring appeal of mixed martial arts.