News Summary
New Orleans is set to host UFC 318, featuring a highly anticipated lightweight matchup between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier at the Smoothie King Center. Holloway aims to bounce back from a recent loss, while Poirier will enter the Octagon for his retirement fight. The event promises thrilling bouts, including a co-main event with Kopylov against Costa. Fans can expect an action-packed card showcasing elite talent and rising stars. The fights are scheduled to stream on ESPN Pay-Per-View, drawing significant interest as the event approaches.
New Orleans will host UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, featuring a highly anticipated lightweight showdown between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. The event is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center, with the main card scheduled to start at 10 p.m. ET, following prelims that begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Max Holloway, the current BMF champion and former UFC featherweight titleholder, will enter the Octagon looking to rebound from a knockout loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October 2024. Holloway, who holds an impressive professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses, is favored in this matchup with odds at -148. He holds notable records in UFC history, including the most finishes and knockouts in UFC title fights.
Dustin Poirier, ranked sixth in the lightweight division, will step into the ring for what he has announced will be his final fight. He comes off a loss by submission to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024, bringing his professional record to 30 wins, 9 losses, and one no contest. As an underdog in this fight with odds of +124, Poirier has previously defeated Holloway twice, including a unanimous decision at UFC 236, where he claimed the interim lightweight championship.
Co-Main Event Details
The co-main event features a middleweight bout between Roman Kopylov and Paulo Costa, with Kopylov favored at -225 and Costa at +185. This match is one of several exciting pairings on the fight card, which also includes bouts such as Kevin Holland versus Daniel Rodriguez and Dan Ige against Patrício Pitbull.
Matchups and Prelims
The preliminaries will showcase rising stars and seasoned fighters alike, with fighters like Marvin Vettori facing Brendan Allen and Nikolay Veretennikov taking on Francisco Prado. Fans can expect a mix of action-packed matchups across various weight classes.
Retirement Fight for Poirier
This event carries significant weight as it marks the retirement fight for Dustin Poirier. His reflections on his UFC debut against Holloway give an added layer of meaning to this bout. Poirier views this encounter as a poetic conclusion to their rivalry, recalling the journey they’ve both undertaken in the sport. This narrative adds depth to a matchup that promises to be both thrilling and emotional for fans and fighters alike.
Betting Analysis
Betting experts are closely analyzing this matchup, with SportsLine expert Kyle Marley providing insights due to his successful track record with fight predictions. Fans and bettors alike will be keen to see how the odds in Holloway and Poirier’s fight shift, particularly given Poirier’s experience and history against Holloway.
UFC 318 is expected to draw a significant crowd, with the packed card also available for streaming on ESPN Pay-Per-View. As fight night approaches, excitement continues to build for a showcase of elite MMA talent set against the iconic backdrop of New Orleans. The event not only features seasoned champions but also highlights up-and-coming prospects poised to make their mark in the UFC.
In summary, UFC 318 is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of fights, with the headliner bringing together two of the most talented fighters in the sport. The stakes are high, and the legacy of both Holloway and Poirier will be further defined by this clash of styles inside the Octagon.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement After Final Fight
New Orleans Hosts UFC 318 with Trilogy Fight
Additional Resources
- CBS Sports: UFC 318 Odds & Predictions
- UFC: Official Weigh-In Results
- USA Today: UFC 318 Predictions & How to Watch
- ESPN Press Room: UFC 318 Announcement
- BBC Sport: UFC 318 Coverage
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
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