The Ultimate Fighting Championship will witness the farewell of one of its most prominent lightweights, Dustin Poirier, this Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. UFC 318 features the long-anticipated third fight between Poirier and Max Holloway, as Poirier prepares to retire following this showdown. The event marks Poirier’s return to his home state while also spotlighting the ongoing rivalry that has captivated MMA fans for years, delivering a high-stakes contest that underlines the significance of UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier.
The Trilogy Fight: A Battle Between Two Veterans at Lightweight
The main event at UFC 318 pits Max Holloway, current BMF Champion, against Dustin Poirier, the former interim Lightweight champion and No. 3-ranked contender. Holloway has transitioned to the lightweight division after years competing at featherweight, where he was known for his relentless striking. Poirier, on the other hand, has been a cornerstone of the lightweight division, gaining respect for his fierce in-cage performances and respectful demeanor outside of it.
Poirier, widely regarded as a consummate professional and dedicated family man, has amassed 15 post-fight bonuses, including 10 Fight of the Night awards, underscoring his reputation for action-packed bouts. Throughout his career, he’s faced a “murderer’s row” of elite opponents, such as Khabib Nurmagomedov, Islam Makhachev, Charles Oliveira, and Justin Gaethje, maintaining a high level of competitiveness and resilience. His fighting style features over five significant strikes per minute at a 50-percent accuracy rate, reflecting his offensive prowess.
Holloway enters UFC 318 with a three-inch reach and height advantage over Poirier and boasts a record-setting number of significant and total strikes landed in UFC history. Known for his overwhelming volume striking and offensive output, Holloway has also absorbed nearly five significant strikes per minute through his career, relying on an iron chin that withstood punishment until his recent knockout loss to Ilia Topuria. This fight will test Holloway’s durability and ability to withstand Poirier’s power as he defends the BMF title in a grueling, tactical battle.
Context on Each Fighter’s Recent Performances and Styles
Poirier’s recent run has been marked by alternating wins and losses since his consecutive victories over Conor McGregor in 2021, with his latest setback being a submission defeat to Islam Makhachev about a year ago. Poirier showed resilience in that bout, remaining competitive through five rounds, indicating no decline in his ability to deliver top-level performances. Holloway, coming off his first knockout loss, looks to reestablish himself at lightweight, where his nonstop striking volume and aggressive pace remains a defining trait.
This trilogy carries heavy implications not just for the fighters themselves but for the lightweight division, as one of its longest-standing veterans prepares to exit the sport in front of a supportive hometown crowd. Both men have evolved since their previous meetings, promising an intense and closely contested fight. Poirier’s risk-taking style could make him vulnerable to Holloway’s counterattacks, but if he manages his aggression well, the fight could tilt in his favor.
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov: Middleweight Co-Main Event Breakdown
UFC 318’s co-main event features a pivotal middleweight contest between Paulo Costa and Roman Kopylov. Costa, ranked No. 13, has struggled recently, losing four of his last five fights and lacking wins against current UFC competitors. Now 34 and returning from elbow surgery for the first time since 2017, Costa hopes to regain momentum following decision losses to Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland.
Costa relies predominantly on his power striking and occasional takedowns, but his motivation and consistency have been questioned as his performances have declined. By contrast, Russian challenger Roman Kopylov, 33 years old, had a rocky UFC start with two losses but rebounded impressively with four consecutive knockout victories. Although a recent submission loss halted his rise, Kopylov returned with back-to-back wins and aims to maintain his position in the middleweight division.
This matchup is fairly balanced in terms of skill and durability, but Costa’s greater experience may be the deciding factor. The fight’s outcome could hinge on Costa’s determination and preparedness; a serious effort could propel him back into title contention, but a lackluster performance may push him further from the 185-pound crown.
Welterweight Bout: Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez Analysis
Kevin Holland and Daniel Rodriguez face off in a welterweight clash that promises fast-paced action at UFC 318. Holland, known as the “Trailblazer,” will compete for the fourth time in 2025, continuing a trend of frequent appearances reminiscent of his busy 2020 schedule. Despite his high volume of fights, Holland’s performance has been inconsistent, though he recently secured consecutive victories after moving back down to welterweight.
Holland’s notable feats include a decision win over Gunnar Nelson and a slick submission victory against Vicente Luque, marking his strongest win in years. His style combines long-range knockout power with an effective ground game, accounting for 23 finishes in 28 wins, although he carries 13 losses, six due to stoppages.
Daniel Rodriguez, “D-Rod,” struggled in his early UFC tenure, going 6-1 before facing a rough patch with three straight losses and two stoppages. At 38, he is larger in age compared to Holland and gives up significant reach and height. Still, Rodriguez recently regained momentum with back-to-back wins and brings a gritty, experienced style to the match. Both fighters show limited takedown defense but possess offensive wrestling skills, suggesting this contest will be a thrilling stand-up and ground mixed affair.
Featherweight Encounter: Dan Ige vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire
Dan Ige aims to maintain his position within the featherweight Top 15 despite a challenging recent record, losing seven of his last 12 fights but demonstrating durability and fan-appealing aggression. Known as “50k,” Ige fights an action-first style, contributing to his four post-fight performance bonuses and never having been finished in his 28 professional outings.
His opponent, Patricio Freire, a decorated veteran making his UFC debut, arrives from a successful international career but now faces the challenges of age and the deeper talent pool within the UFC featherweight division. Freire’s fast-paced, violent style features an even split of knockout and submission finishes, signaling an aggressive approach that could overwhelm most opponents.
This battle between an experienced, tough technician (Ige) and a seasoned finisher (Freire) is expected to generate fireworks, with the likely winner being the fighter able to impose their preferred rhythm and maintain pressure throughout.
Lightweight Matchup: Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber Preview
Michael Johnson prepares for a significant lightweight fight in New Orleans, nearing his 15th year with the UFC. Despite recent struggles, including multiple losses, Johnson has rebounded to win his last two fights, showcasing his persistence and experience. Known as “The Menace,” he brings a high-volume striking style complemented by underrated offensive wrestling.
His opponent, Daniel Zellhuber, is an emerging prospect from Mexico, developing a promising UFC profile since joining Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. After initial setbacks, Zellhuber accumulated several wins, including an anaconda choke submission, demonstrating a well-rounded skill set and growth potential. As Johnson ages at 39 and faces a youthful and hungry adversary, this fight is expected to highlight a compelling battle between veteran savvy and fresh energy.
Event Details and Broadcast Information
UFC 318 kicks off with early prelims on ESPN2 and ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET, followed by prelims at 8 p.m. ET before the PPV main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+. Fans can expect a full night of competitive bouts, including not only the Holloway vs. Poirier trilogy but also exciting contests across multiple weight classes.
The Significance of UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier
This event represents a pivotal moment for the UFC lightweight division and MMA history, as Dustin Poirier takes his final walk into the Octagon after a decade of significant contributions to the sport. The trilogy fight against Max Holloway provides an epic stage to conclude a decorated career marked by thrilling battles and a steadfast commitment to excellence. The outcomes of the supporting undercard fights, featuring rising contenders and established veterans alike, will shape divisional dynamics heading into the latter half of 2025.
UFC 318 not only honors the legacy of “The Diamond” but also offers fans an intense night of MMA characterized by veteran rivalries, rising prospects, and stylistic matchups that promise to deliver an unforgettable experience in the heart of “The Big Easy.”
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Islam Makhachev MMA or UFC?
A. Islam Ramazanovich Makhachev, born on October 27, 1991, is a Russian mixed martial artist. He used to compete in sambo before. Now, he fights in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He once held the title of UFC Lightweight Champion.
Q. Do UFC get paid a lot?
A. There are three levels: low, medium, and high. New fighters often start at the lowest level, earning between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight. Top fighters fall into the highest tier, making between $500,000 and $3,000,000 per fight.
Q. How much did Islam make in UFC 311?
A. Makhachev earned about $250,000 from UFC 311, based on BetMGM’s estimation. At 33, his earnings ranked fourth despite starring in the main event and performing exceptionally.
Q. How much do UFC get paid?
A. A major attraction of working with the UFC is the chance to earn good money. Being a top MMA group, it provides some of the best pay and bonuses in the field.