News Summary
Dustin Poirier, the beloved hometown hero of New Orleans, is set to retire following his upcoming bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318. This highly anticipated fight marks their third meeting, with Poirier holding a 2-0 record against Holloway. Local celebrity rapper Lil Wayne will walk Poirier to the Octagon, adding excitement to an already thrilling event that showcases several other key matchups, including a co-main event featuring rising contender Roman Kopylov against Paulo Costa. With significant stakes for both fighters, UFC 318 promises to be a memorable night for mixed martial arts fans.
New Orleans, Louisiana – The UFC is set to witness an emotional farewell as Dustin Poirier, a hometown hero, announced his retirement will follow his fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025. This matchup will mark their third encounter, with Poirier holding an impressive 2-0 record against Holloway.
The highly anticipated event will take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, further adding significance to Poirier’s last fight, as he returns to his roots in front of an adoring local crowd. Poirier and Holloway previously faced each other in 2012, when Poirier submitted Holloway, and in 2019 during an interim lightweight title bout that Poirier won.
This final fight will feature additional excitement, as rapper Lil Wayne is set to walk Poirier to the Octagon, infusing the event with local celebrity flair that fans will not want to miss. Poirier seeks to create a memorable evening aiming for a “Fight of the Night” type of battle, leaving a lasting impression as he concludes his professional career.
The main card of UFC 318 is packed with thrilling matchups across various weight classes. The co-main event highlights rising contender Roman Kopylov, who will take on former title challenger Paulo Costa in the middleweight division, promising to be a showcase of elite talent. Further building excitement, fan-favorite Kevin Holland will be battling Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight bout, ensuring a robust lineup for fight enthusiasts.
Another notable matchup features former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull, who aims to secure his first victory in the UFC against Dan Ige in the featherweight division. This fight not only draws attention due to the fighters’ backgrounds but also highlights the competitive landscape of the event.
Alongside Poirier’s retirement storyline, the night will showcase Holloway’s return to lightweight after his recent knockout loss against Ilia Topuria. The BMF title will be contested, with Holloway defending the title he earned in 2024 for achieving CBS Sports’ Knockout of the Year against Justin Gaethje. Poirier hopes to end his career on a high note by claiming this prestigious title, making stakes high for both fighters.
The prelims for UFC 318 are set to begin at 8 PM ET, followed by the main card at 10 PM ET. As the UFC makes its return to New Orleans after a decade-long absence, the anticipation surrounding UFC 318 resonates throughout the community and among mixed martial arts fans worldwide. Poirier described the event as a “beautiful” moment, underlining his deep connection to both New Orleans and its fans.
Poirier’s current professional record stands at 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. His last appearance in the Octagon ended in a submission loss to Islam Makhachev while vying for the lightweight belt. As Poirier prepares to take center stage one last time, the stakes could not be higher, both for him and for Holloway, making UFC 318 a must-watch event.
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New Orleans Hosts UFC 318 with Trilogy Fight
Additional Resources
- Fox8 Live: Lil Wayne to Walk Out Dustin Poirier at UFC 318
- Wikipedia: Dustin Poirier
- BJPenn: Dustin Poirier’s Expectations for UFC 318
- Google Search: UFC 318
- KATC: Dustin Poirier Prepares for UFC 318
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- 107.9: Countdown to Dustin Poirier’s Final Fight
- Google News: Dustin Poirier
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
