On Saturday, UFC 318 takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, featuring a highly anticipated rematch between Louisiana’s Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway for the symbolic BMF title. This fight marks Poirier’s final walk to the Octagon, where he will look to overcome a longtime rival in what promises to be a compelling showdown.
Despite having defeated Holloway twice in the past, Poirier enters the fight as a slight underdog in what could be the closing chapter of his distinguished career. The bout carries heightened significance as both men seek to cement their legacies with the coveted BMF belt on the line.
Poirier’s Career Culminates Against a Familiar Adversary
Dustin Poirier’s journey in the UFC has been marked by memorable moments, yet he has never captured an undisputed world title. His closest brush came in 2019 when he briefly held the interim lightweight championship after defeating Holloway at UFC 236. Their rivalry dates back even further, with Poirier also besting Holloway at UFC 143 in featherweight competition.
Now, with UFC 318 as his farewell event, Poirier faces Holloway once again, this time competing for the BMF title, which holds a symbolic value that resonates deeply with fans. Having fallen short in his initial attempt to claim the BMF belt against Justin Gaethje—who was later dethroned by Holloway—Poirier’s chance to seize this emblematic championship could define how his career is ultimately remembered.
Max Holloway Aims to Reignite Title Aspirations
Max Holloway’s career showcases a legacy of resilience and success, highlighted by his reign as featherweight champion and victories over some of the sport’s elite. Despite his accomplishments, Holloway has encountered difficulties when facing Poirier, to whom he has lost twice.
The 33-year-old Hawaiian fighter faces a pivotal moment: a victory here is crucial if he intends to make another genuine run at UFC gold, rather than settle for the symbolic BMF belt, which he currently holds. Holloway’s recent defeat to Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title fight, alongside his losses to Alexander Volkanovski—who now holds the featherweight championship—places him in a challenging position regarding immediate title contention.
Nevertheless, Holloway’s determination remains undeterred, with Saturday’s rematch against Poirier representing both a personal and professional crossroads as he fights to keep his championship hopes alive across two weight divisions.
The Shifting Landscape of American UFC Talent
Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway stand among the most cherished American fighters in UFC history, yet their careers may also symbolize the waning presence of American stars at the sport’s apex. As UFC expands globally, the prominence of fighters from outside the United States continues to grow, reshaping the competitive landscape.
Currently, Holloway and welterweight contender Belal Muhammad remain the only American athletes ranked in the UFC’s official top 15 pound-for-pound list, while Kayla Harrison holds the distinction of being the sole American champion. Other prospects, such as Sean O’Malley, once touted as the next American superstar, have faced setbacks, with O’Malley losing twice to Merab Dvalishvili.
This trend raises questions about the future influx of American fighters capable of replicating the success and global appeal demonstrated by Poirier and Holloway both inside and outside the Octagon.
Middleweight Co-Main Event Lacks Star Power
The co-main event at UFC 318 features a middleweight bout between Roman Kopylov and Paulo Costa, ranked 14th and 13th respectively at 185 pounds. While both fighters carry recognizable names, the matchup lacks title implications and has generated mixed reactions regarding the overall depth of the card.
Costa’s recent record—one win against four losses in his last five fights—adds to the perception that this fight will not overshadow the main event or entice casual fans eager to witness championship-level competition. Despite these factors, the bout offers both fighters a chance to shake up middleweight rankings and prove their relevance heading forward.
Bellator Imports Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix Face UFC Challenges
The arrival of Bellator standouts Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix to UFC has stirred considerable interest, yet both fighters have faced early obstacles. Pitbull lost a decision to Yair Rodriguez in April, while Mix struggled in his defeat to Mario Bautista in June, fueling debate over the quality gap between Bellator and UFC rosters.
This weekend, Pitbull gets an opportunity to alter that narrative when he faces Dan Ige in a significant test. Though considered closer to the end of his career than Mix, Pitbull has historically found success against skilled opponents, adding intrigue to whether he can elevate the perception of Bellator talent within the UFC.
The Impact and Future of UFC 318’s Main Event
UFC 318’s headline fight, billed as Dustin Poirier’s final performance, embodies more than just a rematch; it is a critical moment in the careers of two of MMA’s most celebrated fighters. With the BMF title at stake, the bout carries symbolic weight that transcends typical championship belts, offering Poirier a chance to close his career with a meaningful accolade.
For Max Holloway, a victory would be essential to extend his ambition for an official UFC title and maintain his status among the sport’s elite. Beyond the Octagon, this event spotlights the evolving face of the UFC, where American dominance is challenged by international competitors and emerging talents.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how this fight shapes not only the legacy of both fighters but also the future narrative surrounding American representation and the continued globalization of mixed martial arts.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?
A. As of 2025, Poirier’s estimated net worth is $10 million. He has wisely managed his money, earning big endorsement deals from brands such as Venum. Additionally, he supports underprivileged communities through his charity, “The Good Fight Foundation.”