Dustin Poirier is set to make his final octagon appearance on July 19, 2025, at UFC 318, where he will headline against Max Holloway for the coveted BMF title. This highly anticipated trilogy bout will take place at the Smoothie King Center in Poirier's hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking a significant moment for the fighter known as "The Diamond." Poirier, 36, has expressed excitement about closing out his career in front of his home crowd, stating, "I'm going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana, where it all started for me."
This matchup is especially intriguing as Poirier has previously defeated Holloway twice, with their first encounter occurring back in 2012 at UFC 143, when Holloway made his promotional debut. The second fight took place in 2019 at UFC 236, where Poirier claimed the interim lightweight championship in a unanimous decision victory. Now, as they prepare for their third clash, both fighters are eager to prove their worth in the octagon.
Max Holloway, 33, will be defending his BMF title for the first time after winning it at UFC 300 in 2024. Holloway secured the belt in spectacular fashion, delivering a last-minute knockout to Justin Gaethje that has been hailed as one of the most thrilling finishes in MMA history. This fight will also symbolize a permanent move up to the lightweight division for Holloway, who has previously dominated the featherweight category.
Despite their storied rivalry, Poirier revealed that Holloway was not his first choice for a retirement fight. He initially sought a trilogy bout against Justin Gaethje, as both fighters are 1-1 in their previous meetings, with Poirier winning their first matchup in April 2018 and Gaethje avenging that loss in their subsequent fight at UFC 291. However, Poirier respected the UFC's decision to pair him with Holloway, acknowledging, "I have a lot of respect for him, so it made sense to me."
As the fight approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement over what promises to be an explosive matchup. Poirier has been one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport, boasting an impressive record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no-contest, with 23 of those victories coming by way of stoppage. His ability to finish fights has made him a fan favorite, and he aims to leave the sport on a high note.
Holloway, on the other hand, is looking to rebound after a tough knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in his last fight at UFC 308 in October 2024. The former featherweight champion is eager to make a statement in his new division and solidify his status as a top contender in the lightweight category. A win over Poirier would not only validate his move to 155 pounds but also send a message to the rest of the division.
In addition to the stakes of the fight, the location adds another layer of significance. Poirier has not fought near his native Lafayette in a decade, making this event a homecoming of sorts. "This is the dream," Poirier said, expressing gratitude to the UFC for accommodating his wish to retire at home. "It’s amazing when a company works with you like that and has respect for you enough to try to put things in motion."
As UFC 318 approaches, fans are left to wonder how this trilogy will unfold. Will Poirier continue his dominance over Holloway, or will the BMF champion defend his title and establish a new legacy in the lightweight division? With both fighters bringing their A-game, it’s sure to be a thrilling encounter that will go down in UFC history.
In summary, Dustin Poirier's retirement fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318 is shaping up to be a historic event. With the BMF title on the line and both fighters eager to prove themselves, this matchup promises to deliver excitement and drama. As fight fans gear up for this showdown, all eyes will be on New Orleans for what could be one of the most memorable fights of the year.
