As the countdown to UFC 318 intensifies, all eyes are on the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, where a landmark event is set to unfold on July 19, 2025. The card not only marks the UFC's much-anticipated return to Louisiana after a decade-long hiatus but also serves as the grand finale for one of the sport's most beloved figures, Dustin Poirier. The seasoned lightweight veteran will face off against the reigning BMF titleholder Max Holloway in a trilogy bout that promises fireworks and emotional weight, as it is expected to be Poirier's final fight in the Octagon.
At 36 years old, Dustin Poirier has carved out a legendary career since making his UFC debut at UFC 125 in 2011. With a professional record standing at 30 wins, nine losses, and one no contest, Poirier's journey has been marked by resilience, skill, and memorable battles against some of the sport's elite. Notably, he holds 15 fight-night bonus awards, tying him for fourth all-time, a testament to his exciting fighting style and tenacity.
Poirier's career highlights include victories over UFC legends such as Max Holloway, Bobby Green, Jim Miller, Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje, and Eddie Alvarez. His rivalry with Holloway is particularly significant. The two first met in February 2012 at UFC 143, where Poirier secured a first-round submission victory. Their second encounter came at UFC 236 in April 2019, a fight for the interim lightweight title that Poirier won by unanimous decision. Heading into UFC 318, Poirier holds a 2-0 record against Holloway, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their trilogy clash.
Despite his storied career, Poirier's path hasn't been without setbacks. His recent title loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024 was a tough pill to swallow, ending his bid to become the undisputed lightweight champion. However, Poirier remains ranked fifth in the UFC lightweight division and is determined to conclude his career on a high note.
Speaking ahead of UFC 318, Poirier shared his mindset going into what is expected to be his retirement fight. "I tried to do everything right, not that I didn't before, I just tried to be extra. Just trying to get ahead of everything, trying to make the last one the best one, and show the world that I'm walking away from the sport, not because I feel I can't compete with these guys or anything like that. I'm not getting squeezed out of the sport. I'm not letting the sport retire me. I want to leave on my terms," he said.
The emotional significance of this bout extends beyond the cage. Poirier's eight-year-old daughter, Parker Noelle, has become one of his biggest supporters and recently made a heartfelt gesture that captured the hearts of MMA fans worldwide. During the UFC 318 Countdown episode, Parker's drawing was featured, bearing the touching message: "Dad I love you so much. I’m happy you are done fighting." This artwork, shared widely on social media by outlets like Home of Fight, sparked an outpouring of admiration and warmth from fans, many of whom praised Poirier not only as a fighter but as a devoted father.
Fans' reactions highlighted the bittersweet nature of Poirier's retirement. Some joked that a victory at UFC 318 might propel him back into title contention, while others reflected on his sacrifices, noting, "And this right here is why he is doing what he is doing. Giving up what he loves for what he loves more. Great fighter. Great Dad." The emotional resonance of Parker's message underscores the personal side of a fighter often seen only through the lens of competition.
Adding to the narrative, MMA analyst Alan Jouban revealed that Poirier has been contemplating retirement for several years. "Since I moved back home, since after the Conor McGregor fight, he’s been hinting at retirement," Jouban told MMA Junkie. "He’s been hinting at it the entire time. Every single fight that he would win or lose, he’s like, ‘I might have one more.’ I really think Dustin would have retired a long time ago if these opportunities would have not kept coming. He gets to fight Conor twice in a row, the biggest paydays of his career. He fights for the belt against Charles Oliveira. He’s given what people thought was a very tough lose-lose situation against Benoit Saint Denis. … Another title fight comes his way with Islam (Makhachev). It felt to me he’s trying to retire this last five years – he just couldn’t. The fights just kept getting bigger and better and more profitable."
On the opposite side of the cage stands Max Holloway, the current BMF champion and a formidable opponent. Holloway, with a professional record of 26 wins and eight losses, has been a UFC staple since 2012. He holds numerous UFC featherweight records, including wins (20), finishes (11), knockouts (nine), a 13-fight win streak, total fight time, and significant strikes landed. His overall UFC records extend to significant strikes landed (3,457) and total strikes landed (3,706), showcasing his volume striking prowess.
Holloway's championship journey began in June 2017 when he knocked out Jose Aldo to claim the featherweight title. He successfully defended the belt multiple times before losing it to Alexander Volkanovski in 2019. After regaining momentum with wins over top contenders like Calvin Kattar, Yair Rodriguez, Arnold Allen, and Justin Gaethje—the latter earning him the BMF title at UFC 300—Holloway faced a setback with a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024.
Following that defeat, Holloway moved up full-time to lightweight and is eager to defend his BMF title against Poirier. The stakes are high as he looks to spoil Poirier’s farewell and solidify his status in the division. Betting odds currently favor Poirier slightly at -150, with Holloway as the underdog at +130, reflecting the evenly matched nature of this trilogy fight.
UFC 318 will feature a total of 14 fights, with the main card streaming on ESPN+ pay-per-view starting at 10 p.m. ET, preceded by prelims on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET. Fans attending the event can expect a star-studded broadcast team, including play-by-play commentator Jon Anik, former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, and Paul Felder filling in for Joe Rogan. Legendary octagon announcer Bruce Buffer will also be present to introduce the fighters.
The event's weigh-in show will be hosted by Dan Hellie, joined by UFC Hall of Famers Daniel Cormier and Paul Felder, along with former middleweight champion Chris Weidman. Analysts such as Anthony Smith, Chael Sonnen, Dominick Cruz, Alan Jouban, and Teddy Atlas will provide expert commentary throughout the night.
As the UFC prepares to light up New Orleans once again, the spotlight shines brightest on Dustin Poirier’s final walk to the Octagon. His legacy is one of grit, heart, and unforgettable battles, and his decision to retire on his own terms resonates deeply within the MMA community. Whether he secures the BMF belt or not, Poirier’s career leaves an indelible mark on the sport, underscored by the love and support of his family, especially his young daughter, who reminds us all of the human side behind the warrior.
The fight against Max Holloway is more than just a bout; it’s a celebration of a career, a farewell to the cage, and a testament to a fighter who has given everything to the sport he loves. As the night unfolds, fans around the world will witness not just a fight, but the closing chapter of a remarkable journey.
