The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to New Orleans this weekend with UFC 318, a highly anticipated event headlined by a thrilling trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Smoothie King Center, this event marks a significant moment for the sport and the city, which hasn't hosted a UFC fight since 2015.
Saturday night’s main event features the BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title fight, where Poirier, a fan favorite and Louisiana native, will face Holloway in what is billed as Poirier's final fight before retirement. Poirier’s career has been a testament to resilience and skill, and his journey began in Louisiana, making this fight a full-circle moment. The atmosphere is electric, with the event sold out and 14,000 fans expected to fill the arena, according to Mike Hoss, Smoothie King Center's Media Relations Manager. Hoss compared the UFC hype in New Orleans to the fervor seen during Taylor Swift concerts, underscoring the city's passion for combat sports.
Fans like 18-year-old Jacob Engels from Houston are soaking in the experience, attending their first UFC fight to witness Poirier’s final bow. Engels shared, "Just the experience going into the arena... My amazing stepdad got the tickets for here. He’s a true Louisiana fan and loves Dustin Poirier as much as I do." This local and fan enthusiasm adds a palpable energy to the weekend, which also includes a UFC Fan Fest expected to draw large crowds and boost local businesses.
The ceremonial weigh-in on Friday was a spectacle of its own, held at the Smoothie King Center with strobe lights, roaring fans, and fighters stepping on the scale to the soundtrack of metal and hip-hop. UFC President Dana White stood as a mediator during the face-offs, maintaining a respectful yet intense atmosphere. Poirier and Holloway’s square-off was notably respectful, with both fighters exchanging subtle smirks and a handshake, a contrast to the usual psychological warfare seen in combat sports. Poirier addressed the crowd, saying, "It all started here in Louisiana. It's an honor. Thank you for following my journey. I love you all." Holloway, the current BMF champion, responded with a salute and a promise of a "helluva fight." This mutual respect sets the tone for what promises to be a memorable showdown.
Historically, Poirier has bested Holloway in their previous two encounters — a unanimous decision victory at UFC 236 and a submission win via arm-triangle choke at UFC 143. This trilogy fight not only serves as a crowning moment for Poirier’s career but also as a testament to the competitive rivalry between these two elite fighters.
Beyond the main event, UFC 318’s card is stacked with exciting bouts. The co-main event features middleweights Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov, with Costa looking to rebound after losing four of his last five fights, while Kopylov rides a hot streak with six wins in his last seven contests. Other notable fights include Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez in the welterweight division, Dan Ige facing Patricio Pitbull Freire at featherweight, and Michael Johnson taking on Daniel Zellhuber in lightweight action.
The fight night schedule is robust, with early prelims starting at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+/Disney+, prelims at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+, and the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. This comprehensive lineup showcases a mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans, promising a night full of dynamic MMA action.
Among the veterans returning to competition in various formats are several UFC alumni competing in MMA, karate, and bareknuckle MMA events coinciding with UFC 318. Fighters such as Robelis Despaigne, Chase Sherman, Tim Johnson, Zac Pauga, Alan Belcher, Braxton Smith, Jesse Butler, Melvin Guillard, Corey Anderson, Daniel Lacerda, Alex Oliveira, Lorenz Larkin, Drew Fickett, Juan Adams, and Kevin Croom are all active in the combat sports scene, participating in events like Karate Combat 55 and Fury FC 106. Their diverse records and recent fights reflect the evolving landscape of MMA and related disciplines outside the UFC spotlight.
One fighter to watch during UFC 318 is Adam Fugitt, who returns to the Octagon after over a year away due to injury. Scheduled to face Islam Dulatov, Fugitt spoke candidly about the challenges of staying ready and the unique intensity of fight night. "That present moment when they shut the doors and it's time to go... There's no past, there's no future. You better be locked in right then and there. And nothing else matters. It’s go time," Fugitt said. His return adds depth to the welterweight division and underscores the personal sacrifices fighters make to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead, the UFC calendar is packed with major events following UFC 318. UFC Abu Dhabi featuring Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder is set for July 26, while UFC Vegas cards continue into August with matchups like Amir Albazi vs. Tatsuro Taira and Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez. The schedule extends through the fall with marquee fights in Chicago, Shanghai, Paris, San Antonio, Vancouver, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, highlighting the global reach and growing popularity of the UFC.
As the fighters prepare to enter the cage this Saturday night, the stakes could not be higher for Dustin Poirier, who aims to cap off a remarkable career with a final victory on home turf. The sold-out crowd, the rich history of the rivalry, and the electric atmosphere in New Orleans set the stage for a night that MMA fans will remember for years to come. The action is set to unfold live, with prelims starting at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET, promising a thrilling showcase of skill, heart, and determination.
