This Saturday in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dustin Poirier will headline UFC 318 in what is expected to be his final UFC retirement fight, taking on BMF champion Max Holloway for the Baddest Motherf***er title. Poirier’s hometown send-off event has drawn significant attention, not only because of the stakes but also due to the notable absence of longtime commentator Joe Rogan, who will not be calling the fight.

The main event is set to be an intense showdown between two fighters renowned for their striking volume and durability. Poirier, known as ‘The Diamond,’ has delivered some of the most memorable performances in UFC history and is tied for the record with ten Fight of the Night bonuses. Max Holloway, the Hawaiian warrior, is famed for his aggressive stand-up style, highlighted by landing 141 significant strikes in a single round—an unprecedented UFC record against Calvin Kattar.

Despite Rogan’s longstanding presence as the voice of UFC pay-per-views, he will be missing from UFC 318’s commentary booth for the first time in over three years. Instead, Jon Anik will lead the play-by-play duties, supported by former two-weight UFC champion Daniel Cormier and analyst Paul Felder. Both Cormier and Poirier share emotional ties to this event, marking the significance of this career milestone.

Dustin Poirier Reflects on Joe Rogan’s Absence From UFC 318

When asked about Rogan not calling his last fight, Dustin Poirier expressed a mixture of acceptance and appreciation for the replacement. He acknowledged that while it would have been special to close out his UFC career with Rogan on commentary, having Daniel Cormier involved also adds meaning. Both Poirier and Cormier hail from Louisiana, and Poirier praised Cormier’s legendary status as an athlete and a Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer.

Closing it out with Rogan would’ve been cool [and all], but [it is what it is; and] also, …DC, DC – the legend he is, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer he is… Everything [that] he brings is awesome to be able to talk to him when it’s all said and done. Another Louisiana boy in New Orleans, so it’s special.
Dustin Poirier during UFC 318 PPV Official Media Day

Joe Rogan’s absence has sparked wild speculation among fans and analysts. Former UFC fighter Josh Thomson initially announced he would not be participating in UFC broadcasting duties for the event in favor of attending as a fan, similar to previous fight nights. However, it was revealed that Rogan was away on a vacation with his family, reportedly aboard a $50 million superyacht in Croatia near Brač Island. Photos emerged showing the Rogan family enjoying time away from the UFC spotlight.

Joe Rogan taking his family on vacation on a $50m super yacht only to spend the whole time doing this is cracking me up pic.twitter.com/5DH00Mr5QX— antipodean scourge (@guywhoiswoke) July 17, 2025

Dana White Steps Back To Give Daniel Cormier A Crucial Role at UFC 318 Media Day

While UFC President Dana White has faced criticism throughout the 2025 PPV calendar for missing pre-fight promotional events, he made a deliberate choice to highlight Poirier’s retirement fight. At the UFC 318 media day, White served as the emcee and managed the staredowns for most of the fights on the card up until the co-main event featuring Paulo Costa versus Roman Kopylov.

For the main event face-off between Poirier and Holloway, White ceded the spotlight to Daniel Cormier, allowing the two Louisiana natives to share a poignant moment. Cormier, who has known Poirier since their days in Lafayette, Louisiana, brought a personalized touch to the proceedings with his experience as a two-division UFC champion and respected commentator. Both fighters displayed mutual respect during the staredown, underscoring the significance of Poirier’s farewell bout in his hometown.

Max Holloway will be aiming to improve his record against Poirier to 3-0, building on their two previous encounters at UFC 143 and UFC 236, in which Poirier emerged victorious. Conversely, Holloway looks to avenge those losses but risks becoming the first fighter to lose two separate trilogies without a win, adding to the dramatic tension surrounding the fight. His recent struggles against featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski, where Holloway went 0-3, place additional pressure on him to secure a win.

Fighter Legacies and the Stakes of UFC 318’s Final Matchup

Dustin Poirier’s career has been marked by high-level competition and resilience. This final fight serves as a culmination of a 19-year professional journey. For fans and the UFC community, his retirement symbolizes the end of an era marked by exciting bouts and an unwavering spirit inside the octagon.

The UFC 318 main event not only showcases Poirier’s desire to end his career on a victorious note but also projects what lies ahead for Holloway. A win would bolster Holloway’s standing as one of the sport’s elite featherweights, while a loss might delay his chances for future title opportunities.

This event will likely be remembered for its emotional weight, the hometown atmosphere, and the convergence of key figures from the UFC’s past and present. UFC fans are eager to witness how this chapter closes for Poirier and what it signals for those still competing at the highest level.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Dustin Poirier a millionaire?

A. By 2025, Poirier’s net worth is expected to reach $10 million. He wisely invests his money, securing major sponsorships from brands like Venum. Additionally, his “The Good Fight Foundation” supports charitable work to help disadvantaged communities.