Dustin Poirier's retirement fight is officially set, and it promises to be a memorable event for fans and fighters alike. The former interim UFC lightweight champion will take his final walk to the Octagon on July 19, 2025, at UFC 318, which will be held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Poirier will face off against Max Holloway in a five-round lightweight bout for the BMF title, marking the third meeting between these two iconic fighters.
Poirier, who holds a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 0 draws (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC), announced the date, location, and opponent for his retirement fight during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday, April 25, 2025. This announcement comes after Poirier initially hinted at retirement following his fifth-round submission loss to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. However, after discussions with his family, he decided to compete one last time, specifically requesting that the UFC return to New Orleans for the event, the first since June 2015.
"It's going to be my final fight," Poirier stated on the McAfee show. "I'm going to lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me. The whole journey started there, and I'm just honored to have the UFC on the same page and the state of Louisiana on the same page to make all of this work. I didn't know if it was going to all come together, but it did."
Poirier's matchup with Holloway, who boasts a record of 26 wins and 8 losses (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC), is particularly significant as it marks the longest-spanning trilogy in UFC history, occurring 4,914 days after their first encounter in February 2012 at UFC 143. In that initial bout, Poirier, then 23 years old, submitted a 20-year-old Holloway in the first round. Their second clash came at UFC 236 in April 2019, where Poirier emerged victorious by unanimous decision in a fight that was widely regarded as a Fight of the Year contender.
Both fighters have experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout their careers, and this final meeting carries immense stakes. Poirier aims to conclude his career on a high note by capturing the BMF title, while Holloway is looking to rebound after a recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in October 2024. Holloway will also be making a permanent move to the lightweight division, having previously competed at this weight class sporadically.
Poirier's career has been marked by his resilience and skill, having faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport. He has notable victories over Conor McGregor (twice), Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, and Eddie Alvarez. Poirier held the interim lightweight title for five months in 2019 and has fought for the undisputed title three times, facing legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, and Islam Makhachev.
For Holloway, this fight is an opportunity to cement his legacy in the lightweight division after holding the featherweight title and capturing the BMF belt with a stunning knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. Holloway is known for his striking prowess and relentless fighting style, which has garnered him a massive fan following.
The anticipation for UFC 318 is already building, as fans look forward to witnessing two of the sport's most respected athletes go head-to-head in what promises to be an electrifying main event. Poirier's emotional farewell, coupled with the stakes of the BMF title, adds an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.
As Poirier prepares for his final bout, he reflects on the journey that has brought him to this moment. "There’s not a better guy I could think to fight in my retirement fight," he said. "He’s a legend, former [undisputed] champion, current BMF champion, so we’re going to put on another war."
UFC 318 will mark a significant moment not only for Poirier and Holloway but also for the sport of MMA as a whole. The event highlights the rich history and competitive spirit that defines the UFC, and fans can expect nothing less than a thrilling showdown on July 19.
With the fight card still taking shape, UFC officials are working diligently to ensure that UFC 318 is a memorable event for all involved. As the date approaches, fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and additional fight announcements leading up to the main event.
In conclusion, Dustin Poirier's retirement fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318 is shaping up to be a historic event in New Orleans, showcasing the legacy of two of the sport's greats. As Poirier prepares to hang up his gloves, the anticipation builds for what could be a fitting end to an illustrious career.
