Dustin Poirier is preparing to conclude his MMA career with a final fight against Max Holloway at UFC 318, scheduled for July 19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This event marks a significant moment for Poirier, as he aims to retire on home soil after a long and successful tenure in the sport.
UFC President Dana White confirmed that UFC 318 was specifically designed as a sendoff for Poirier, honoring his achievements and contributions to mixed martial arts. The event will be the UFC’s first pay-per-view held in New Orleans in ten years, highlighting the importance of this occasion for both Poirier and his fans.
Dana White Praises Poirier’s Career and Legacy
White emphasized Poirier’s global popularity and his status as a top-tier fighter.
“Throughout the world, Dustin Poirier is a big star for us,”
White said in an interview with WDSU in Louisiana.
“He’s accomplished a lot in the sport. This is for him, to be honest with you. This is for him. He wanted to have his last fight and end his career in New Orleans so here we are.”
Though Poirier never held an undisputed UFC lightweight title, he has maintained an elite ranking in the division for many years. White noted,
“Actually, he’s ranked No. 5 in the world right now in the lightweight division. He’s a guy who’s held his position in the top 10 in the sport for a very long time. He’s achieved a lot.”
Reflecting on Poirier’s place in UFC history, White said,
“He’s one of the all-time greats. Thousands of people have fought in the UFC, I don’t know where I could rank him but he’s one of the all-time greats.”
Building to a Trilogy: Poirier vs. Holloway
Poiriers’s final opponent, Max Holloway, is no stranger as the two have faced each other twice before. Poirier claimed victory in both matchups, first via submission shortly after his UFC debut in 2012 and then by unanimous decision over Holloway at UFC 236 in 2019, when the interim lightweight title was at stake.
Now, as they prepare for their third fight, Holloway seeks to turn the tide against Poirier on the latter’s home ground. In addition to pride, Holloway will put his BMF title on the line in this highly anticipated bout.
White reiterated the significance of the matchup, adding,
“Poirier is fighting Max Holloway — another one of the all-time greats. It should be an amazing fight.”
A Historic Event for New Orleans and the UFC
UFC 318 is not only important for Poirier’s career but also for the city of New Orleans, which is hosting a UFC pay-per-view for the first time in a decade. Poirier has long pushed for the UFC to return to his home state, with his last fight there dating back to 2015 when he knocked out Yancy Medeiros during a UFC Fight Night event.
This final fight offers fans a chance to celebrate Poirier’s legacy and witness what could be a memorable end to one of the sport’s most respected careers. It will also set the stage for potential changes in the lightweight division moving forward, as Poirier’s retirement will open new paths for contenders.