News Summary
UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has announced his retirement plans following the upcoming fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318. This highly anticipated trilogy match, which takes place in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana, will serve as a significant moment in his career as he looks to secure a final victory. Poirier leads the series 2-0 against Holloway, who will be defending his ceremonial BMF title. The event promises to deliver an extraordinary night of fights with the spotlight on both fighters’ legacies.
New Orleans – UFC fighter Dustin Poirier will officially retire following his highly anticipated fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, scheduled for July 18, 2025. This clash in the Octagon will mark their third meeting, with Poirier currently leading the series 2-0.
The upcoming match is a significant event in Poirier’s career, as he prepares to step away from professional mixed martial arts after this fight. Their first encounter was back in 2012, where Poirier submitted Holloway. The two faced each other again in 2019, where Poirier defeated Holloway by decision, securing the interim lightweight title. In this upcoming bout, Holloway, the former UFC featherweight champion, will defend his recently acquired ceremonial BMF title, which he won following an impressive performance against Justin Gaethje in 2024.
The fight will take place in Poirier’s home state of Louisiana, adding an emotional layer to the event. To mark this finale of his career, he plans to have the acclaimed rapper Lil Wayne, also a Louisiana native, accompany him on his walk to the Octagon. Poirier has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans and the community as he prepares for what will be his final bout.
Fight Details
The main card will air live on ESPN+ PPV beginning at 10 p.m. ET, with the prelims slated for 8 p.m. ET and early prelims kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. The main event between Poirier and Holloway is set for five rounds, while other bouts on the card will consist of three rounds.
Co-Main Event and Other Bouts
UFC 318 will also feature a co-main event showcasing a middleweight matchup between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. Other notable fights on the main card include:
- Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
- Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Poirier and Holloway: Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Dustin Poirier has maintained a professional record of 30 wins and 9 losses, with notable victories over high-profile opponents, including two wins against Conor McGregor. His last appearance in New Orleans was at UFC Fight Night in 2015, against Yancy Medeiros. In contrast, Max Holloway carries a professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses. This trilogy fight has been framed as one of the most anticipated battles in UFC history, especially considering their prior encounters and the significance of Poirier’s retirement.
Final Remarks
The stakes are high for both fighters as they prepare to step into the Octagon. Poirier aims to secure a final victory before walking away from the sport, while Holloway looks to reclaim dominance and validate his stature as a former champion. UFC 318 promises to deliver an extraordinary night of fights that fans won’t want to miss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UFC 318 to Feature Holloway vs. Poirier in New Orleans
Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement After Final Fight
New Orleans Hosts UFC 318 with Trilogy Fight
Additional Resources
- UFC Official Weigh-in Results
- ESPN: How to Watch UFC 318
- BBC Sport: UFC 318 Preview
- Wikipedia: Dustin Poirier
- Google Search: UFC 318
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
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