News Summary
Max Holloway triumphed over Dustin Poirier in a decisive unanimous decision at UFC 318, retaining the UFC BMF Championship. This marked Holloway’s first victory over Poirier in their competitive history. Holloway showcased impressive striking accuracy and grappling skills, while Poirier fought in what is now considered his retirement match, ending his career with a notable record. UFC 318 also featured significant undercard victories and drew a record attendance, highlighting the event’s success and economic impact on New Orleans.
New Orleans – Max Holloway triumphed over Dustin Poirier in a decisive unanimous decision at UFC 318, which took place on Saturday night, July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center. This victory allowed Holloway to retain the coveted UFC BMF Championship and marked a pivotal moment in their competitive history, as it was Holloway’s first win against Poirier in three encounters. Previously, Poirier had pulled off victories in their bouts in 2012 and 2019.
Holloway showcased remarkable skill throughout the fight, landing a total of 201 strikes compared to Poirier’s 109. His striking accuracy stood out at 53%, highlighting his effectiveness in the octagon. The match saw Holloway knock Poirier down early in both the first and second rounds, exhibiting dominant grappling that further asserted his control. Poirier, who was 36 years old at the time, fought in what has now been classified as his retirement match, concluding his professional career with a record of 30 wins and 10 losses.
Poirier, a former UFC Lightweight Interim Champion, had a storied career that included wins over high-profile competitors such as Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler. Despite the loss, Poirier expressed during post-fight reflections that he believed the bout was closer than the judges’ decision indicated, asserting that he had landed significant punches throughout the match.
Event Highlights
The UFC 318 event not only featured the Holloway vs. Poirier main event but also included a variety of notable fights in its co-main card. Paulo Costa achieved a much-needed victory over Roman Kopylov, snapping a three-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision win. Additionally, Daniel Rodriguez surprised many with a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland.
In another highlight, Patricio Freire dominated Dan Ige, winning by unanimous decision following five successful takedowns in a strategically controlled match. The main card opened with Michael Johnson securing a unanimous decision over Daniel Zellhuber.
Attendance and Economic Impact
The fight night attracted a sellout crowd of 18,138 fans, generating over $8 million in ticket sales—the highest in the history of the Smoothie King Center. UFC President Dana White commended the event as a significant success, emphasizing the lively atmosphere and attendance in New Orleans. Local leaders noted the significance of hosting such a high-profile sporting event, reflecting the city’s capability to attract major gatherings.
Post-fight, Poirier addressed the audience, conveying his gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his career. His heartfelt message resonated with fans, reinforcing his legacy in the sport.
Looking ahead, the successful hosting of UFC 318 is expected to boost tourism for New Orleans, as the city gears up for additional major events in the coming weeks. Visitors and fans alike are anticipated to flock to the area, further stimulating local businesses and the economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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New Orleans Set to Host UFC 318 Featuring Dustin Poirier
Additional Resources
- Fox 8 Live
- UFC Official
- ESPN
- NOLA
- WWL TV
- Wikipedia: MMA
- Google Search: UFC 318
- Google Scholar: UFC fighting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- Google News: UFC news
