The UFC returns to New Orleans for the first time in nearly a decade with UFC 318, set to light up the Smoothie King Center on Saturday, July 19. In a night brimming with adrenaline and emotion, two of MMA’s most revered names—Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway—will clash in the main event. While no official championship belt is on the line, this bout holds deeper significance: a farewell fight for Poirier, and a symbolic BMF title defense for Holloway.
A trilogy 13 years in the making
The rivalry between Poirier and Holloway spans more than a decade. Their first meeting dates back to UFC 143 in 2012, where Poirier, in slick submission form, forced Holloway to tap via triangle armbar in the very first round. Their second encounter at UFC 236 in 2019 was a five-round war, ending in a unanimous decision victory for Dustin Poirier, halting Max Holloway’s impressive 13-fight win streak.
Now, UFC 318 marks their final confrontation—a trilogy that carries legacy-defining stakes.
Dustin Poirier’s last dance in his hometown
For Dustin Poirier, this night is more than just a fight—it’s a homecoming and a send-off. Fighting in Louisiana for the first time since 2015, the “Diamond” will walk into the octagon for the 42nd and final time. His previous performances in the state are nothing short of dominant—undefeated in Louisiana bouts, with finishes in all.
However, questions loom. Poirier, now 36, has lost three of his last five fights, including a defeat to Islam Makhachev over a year ago. Still, the emotional backdrop, loyal fanbase, and rich legacy make this farewell bout a monumental moment in UFC history.
Max Holloway’s BMF reign and lightweight leap
While the fight marks the end of Poirier’s journey, it’s the start of a new chapter for Max Holloway. The Hawaiian is stepping up permanently to the lightweight division, eager to avenge his past losses to Dustin Poirier and make a statement at 155 lbs.
More notably, Holloway will be defending the symbolic BMF (Baddest Motherf*er) title**, a belt he claimed by knocking out Justin Gaethje in spectacular fashion at UFC 300. With his reputation as the UFC’s most prolific striker, Holloway is entering this bout not just to settle scores, but to cement himself among the elite in a new weight class.
How to Watch UFC 318
United States:
Main Card Start Time: 11:30 PM ET
Broadcast: ESPN+ Pay-Per-View
Price: $79.99
United Kingdom:
Main Card Start Time: 4:30 AM BST (Sunday)
Broadcast: TNT Sports via Discovery+
Monthly Package: £30.99 for Discovery+ Premium
Traveling or unavailable in your region? A VPN service like NordVPN can help bypass geo-blocks and give you access to your favorite streaming platforms.
UFC 318 Full Fight Card
Main Card
| Weight Class | Fight |
| Lightweight (BMF) | Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier |
| Middleweight | Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov |
| Welterweight | Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez |
| Featherweight | Dan Ige vs Patricio Pitbull |
| Lightweight | Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber |
Venue Details: The Smoothie King Center
Nicknamed “The Blender,” the Smoothie King Center is located next to the Caesars Superdome and is home to the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans. The arena can hold over 17,000 fans for UFC events, making it a fitting venue for such an emotional night in combat sports.
Tickets for UFC 318 are available via Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $431 to $3000, depending on the seat category.
UFC 318 is more than a regular fight night. It's a farewell, a trilogy closer, and a symbolic passing of the torch. Whether you're tuning in for Poirier’s emotional exit or Max Holloway’s bold resurgence at lightweight, this is one card you don’t want to miss.