News Summary
UFC 318 is returning to New Orleans with a highly anticipated trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier for the BMF title. This fight marks the third clash between the two fighters, with Poirier leading their previous meetings. Both fighters come from challenging recent bouts, and Poirier has announced plans to retire after this match, adding more tension to an already fierce rivalry. The event will also feature a co-main event and an exciting undercard filled with well-matched contests.
New Orleans, LA – UFC 318 is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center on Saturday, marking a significant return for the UFC to New Orleans for the first time in a decade. The highly anticipated main event features an intense trilogy fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier for the BMF title.
This epic showdown pits both fighters against each other for the third time, with Poirier emerging victorious in their previous two meetings, solidifying his hold in this rivalry. Currently, Holloway boasts a mixed martial arts record of 26 wins and 8 losses, while Poirier, who will be fighting in his home state, has a record of 30 wins and 9 losses. Poirier has announced plans to retire after this fight, adding an emotional layer to an already heated rivalry.
Holloway last captured the BMF title with a knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 but subsequently faced a setback when he returned to featherweight and lost to Ilia Topuria in a later fight. Poirier, on the other hand, last competed at UFC 302 where he lost to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title, marking a challenging stint leading up to this event.
Co-Main Event and Other Fights
Besides the headline fight, UFC 318 will feature a co-main event between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. Costa is seeking redemption following his recent loss against Sean Strickland at UFC 302, while Kopylov comes into the match on a high, having won six of his last seven fights, including a notable win over Chris Curtis.
The undercard boasts several intriguing matchups including Kevin Holland against Daniel Rodriguez, Dan Ige taking on Patricio Pitbull, and Michael Johnson squaring off with Daniel Zellhuber. These essential divisional contests elevate the excitement and stakes throughout the event, ensuring fans receive a night filled with high-caliber performances.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Tickets for UFC 318 are currently on sale, and the event is expected to draw significant attention as part of the summer sports schedule. The fight between Holloway and Poirier has been long-awaited, stemming from their 13-year rivalry which continues to captivate mixed martial arts enthusiasts.
Context of the Rivalry
Max Holloway has an advantageous position heading into this match as he is rated as more than a 2-1 favorite, setting the stage for an intense clash on fight night. Recently, Holloway’s last win was against Justin Gaethje, adding momentum into this trilogy, while Poirier’s last fight occurred in March 2025 against Benoit Saint Denis, leaving fans eager to see how both fighters will perform after their respective bouts.
With the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and the stakes higher than ever, UFC 318 is poised to be a memorable event for the promotion and its fans. The showdown between Holloway and Poirier stands as a testament to their enduring rivalry, promising an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action in the vibrant city of New Orleans.
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Additional Resources
- UFC: Fight Preview UFC 318 – Holloway vs Poirier 3
- Sports Illustrated: UFC 318 Max Holloway Rankings Update
- MMA Fighting: UFC 318 Fight Card Start Time
- WWLTV: When is UFC 318 in New Orleans?
- BetMGM: UFC 318 Fight Card Predictions and Odds
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google Search: UFC 318
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: UFC 318
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