The Ultimate Fighting Championship prepares for UFC 318, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The headline bout will feature a highly anticipated trilogy match between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, with the latter stepping into the octagon for his retirement fight in his home state. This event highlights a pinnacle moment for fans, emphasizing the legendary rivalry between two top fighters in the UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier matchup.
Background of the Holloway-Poirier Rivalry
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier have met twice before, with Poirier winning both encounters. Their first meeting came in 2012 at UFC 143, marking Holloway’s UFC debut, where Poirier secured a first-round submission. The fighters clashed again in 2019 at UFC 236 for the interim Lightweight title, a brutal match that ended with Poirier winning by unanimous decision while Holloway was the reigning Featherweight champion. After 13 years and two intense fights, their rivalry culminates with this third and final encounter at UFC 318.
Supporting Fights at UFC 318
The co-main event features Paulo Costa of Brazil attempting to break his two–fight losing streak against Russian knockout specialist Roman Kopylov in a crucial Middleweight bout. Additional matchups on the card include a Welterweight contest between Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez, a Featherweight fight pitting Dan Ige against Patricio Pitbull, and a Lightweight bout where Michael Johnson faces Daniel Zellhuber. These fights add depth to an already packed event, providing compelling action across multiple weight classes.
Event Schedule and Viewing Details
UFC 318 will begin with the Early Prelims at 6:15 p.m. ET, followed by the Prelims undercard at 8 p.m. ET. The main PPV card is set to start at 10 p.m. ET, featuring the trilogy showdown as the final act. Fans can stream the event live on ESPN+ and follow round-by-round coverage through online platforms dedicated to UFC events. The card promises not only a historic main event but also intense bouts that will impact rankings and fighter trajectories.
Legacy and Impact of the UFC 318 Headliner
This trilogy fight is significant as it marks Dustin Poirier’s retirement, capping off an illustrious career with a high-profile contest against Max Holloway. The matchup carries emotional weight and competitive intensity, spotlighting Poirier’s journey from debut to farewell. For Holloway, defending his BMF title against a longtime rival underscores his status as a key figure in UFC history. UFC 318 thus serves as both a celebration of past achievements and a turning point as the sport moves forward.