Get the complete UFC 318 preview as Dustin Poirier faces Max Holloway in their trilogy clash for the BMF title. Explore fight history, retirement story, card breakdown, and how to watch.
🥊 Poirier vs Holloway History
UFC 318, set for July 19, 2025 at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, marks the end of Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier’s storied 15-year career. He will retire following a high-stakes trilogy bout with Max “Blessed” Holloway, this time with the legendary BMF (“Baddest Motherf*er”) title** on the line .
Poirier, leading the series 2–0 after victories in UFC 143 (2012) and UFC 236 (2019), returns home to finish on his terms . Holloway, a former featherweight champ making his lightweight career, looks to spoil the retirement party while defending the prestigious BMF belt .
🥇 Poirier’s Final Chapter: Retirement Amid Glory
At 36, Poirier stands as a UFC lightweight legend—tied for most KO wins—and enters this showdown embracing emotion and pride. Pre-fight, he was visibly moved by letters from colleagues, fighting back tears during an ESPN segment .
As he puts it: “I get his timing… hit him with shots that hurt him…terrn better that night”. Expect a poised and precise Poirier due to retire on his terms.
⚔️ Holloway’s Redemption Mission
Since dropping back to lightweight, Holloway has remained elite. His KO of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 earned him the BMF belt and keeps him in title contention .
He’s also open to letting Lil Wayne ceremonially hand over the BMF title post-fight—a nod to Poirier’s Louisiana roots . Holloway enters intent on spoiling Poirier’s send-off and etching his own legacy.
🧱 Fight History: Trilogy Recap
- UFC 143 (2012): Poirier won via triangle armbar—Holloway’s professional UFC debut .
- UFC 236 (2019): Poirier claimed the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision, halting Holloway’s 13-fight streak.
- UFC 318: The trilogy decider with Poirier aiming for 3–0 career sweep and BMF gold .
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📅 UFC 318 Card Overview
Main Event:
- Max Holloway (26‑8) vs Dustin Poirier (30‑9) – Lightweight, BMF Title – Poirier retires afterward .
Co-Main:
- Paulo Costa vs Roman Kopylov – Middleweight clash .
Other Highlights:
- Kevin Holland vs Daniel Rodriguez – Welterweight
- Dan Ige vs Patricio “Pitbull” Freire – Featherweight
- Michael Johnson vs Daniel Zellhuber – Lightweight .
Schedule:
- Early Prelims: 6 p.m. ET
- Prelims: 8 p.m. ET
- Main Card on ESPN+ PPV: 10 p.m. ET .
The saga between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway stretches across more than 13 years.
From Holloway’s UFC debut to Poirier’s farewell fight at #UFC318, this is how they reached their trilogy bout ➡️: https://t.co/sEpuBV5EPB https://t.co/sEpuBV5EPB
— UFC News (@UFCNews) July 17, 2025
🎉 Build-Up & Press Conference Moments
The July 17 press conference sparked electricity—with fans booing Holloway and cheering Poirier’s emotional journey.
A live countdown preview is available on MMA Mania, adding context to the storylines and fighter psyches .
📊 Fight Analysis & Predictions
Expert Card Breakdown (SI.com):
- Poirier favored by most pundits, expected to dominate via decision or TKO—Leans on proven rivalry edge .
- Holloway has champions’ spotlight but faces narrative challenge to derail his career farewell .
Key Stakes:
- Momentum: Can Holloway overcome two past losses?
- Pressure: Home-field expectations on Poirier to clinch final victory and retire a hero.
🔎 Viewing & Streaming Info
- Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV (main), ESPN2/prelims, Disney+ seeing early prelims, SiriusXM
- Global Reach: Available via ESPN Deportes, Eurosport/DAZN (Spain), New Orleans local feeds .
🧠 Legacy Impacts
- Poirier: Goes out as a UFC Hall of Famer, lightweight KO leader, retiring undefeated in trilogy.
- Holloway: Makes lightweight statement; stakes include potential reign as BMF champ.
- UFC: Adds emotional weight to pay-per-view era, spotlighting athlete milestones and legacy storytelling.
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