News Summary
Mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Poirier is set to retire following UFC 318, where he will face Max Holloway in their third showdown. This event, taking place in Poirier’s hometown New Orleans, marks a significant return of the UFC to the city after a decade. Poirier hopes for a memorable farewell performance and aims to capture the BMF title, while local celebrity Lil Wayne is expected to walk him to the cage. The event promises an action-packed card, with several notable matchups highlighting the significance of this occasion for Poirier and Louisiana sports.
New Orleans – Mixed martial arts fighter Dustin Poirier will officially retire after UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025, in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Poirier will face fellow fighter Max Holloway in what promises to be an exciting trilogy match, marking their third encounter in the octagon. Poirier currently holds a victory over Holloway in both of their previous fights, having submitted him back in 2012 and again winning during their interim lightweight title bout in 2019.
The event will take place at the Smoothie King Center and marks a significant return for the UFC, which has not held a fight in New Orleans for a decade. As a Louisiana-native, Poirier emphasized the importance of this fight, recognizing it as a personal and emotional farewell to his fighting career. In a special touch, renowned rapper Lil Wayne is set to walk Poirier out to the cage, adding a local celebrity flair to the highly anticipated event.
UFC 318 promises a stacked card, featuring various top fighters from different weight classes. The co-main event will showcase a middleweight bout between rising contender Roman Kopylov and former title challenger Paulo Costa. Additionally, welterweight fans will see Kevin Holland face Daniel Rodriguez in what is expected to be a high-action matchup. Another notable fight includes former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull, who aims for his first UFC victory against Dan Ige in a featherweight bout.
Poirier is striving for a spectacular farewell performance and hopes to capture the coveted BMF title, which will be on the line during this event. Holloway won the BMF title after earning CBS Sports’ 2024 Knockout of the Year award against Justin Gaethje. This matchup will also signify Holloway’s return to the lightweight division following his recent knockout loss against Ilia Topuria.
As Poirier prepares for his final fight, his professional record stands at 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. His last bout resulted in a submission loss to Islam Makhachev in a fight for the lightweight championship. Fans are looking forward to an intense showdown as Poirier seeks a “Fight of the Night” caliber match, aiming to conclude his career on a high note.
The prelims of UFC 318 are set to kick off at 8 PM ET, followed by the main card starting at 10 PM ET. Poirier describes this occasion as a “beautiful” moment, greatly valuing his connection to New Orleans and its supportive fans. The anticipation for this event continues to ramp up, with many looking forward to witnessing a farewell to one of the sport’s most esteemed fighters.
Overall, UFC 318 not only serves as a pivotal moment in Poirier’s life but also as a significant event in the Louisiana sports landscape, celebrating both local talent and the excitement of mixed martial arts. As the date approaches, fans are gearing up for what could be a historic night in New Orleans, solidifying Poirier’s legacy in the sport.
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HERE Resources
Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier: Trilogy Fight at UFC 318
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 MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee 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 Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
