News Summary
UFC 318 will take place in New Orleans at the Smoothie King Center, featuring Dustin Poirier’s final fight against Max Holloway for the UFC BMF title. Poirier, a local hero, brings his storied career to a close in his home state, while Holloway seeks to extend his previous dominance over Poirier. This event marks the return of UFC to New Orleans after over a decade and promises significant economic impact and local support.
New Orleans Set to Host UFC 318 Featuring Dustin Poirier’s Final Fight
New Orleans, Louisiana, will be the center of attention in the mixed martial arts world on Saturday, July 19, 2025, as UFC 318 is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center. This highly anticipated event features Dustin Poirier facing off against Max Holloway for the prestigious UFC BMF title, marking Poirier’s last appearance in the Octagon before retiring from professional fighting.
Dustin Poirier, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, has a professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. He comes into this fight with the emotional significance of a homecoming, as he bids farewell to his illustrious career in his home state. His opponent, Max Holloway, holds a professional record of 26 wins and 8 losses. Holloway, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii, aims to extend his dominance over Poirier, having previously defeated him in their two previous encounters.
Fight Card Details and Broadcast Information
The main card of UFC 318 is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT and will be available on ESPN+ PPV. Earlier in the evening, the prelims will be broadcast at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and ESPN+, while early prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. Fight Pass subscribers will also have access to these early matches.
The co-main event will feature a middleweight bout between Marvin Vettori (ranked No. 10) and Brendan Allen (ranked No. 11), with both fighters looking to climb up the rankings. Vettori, hailing from Mezzocorona, Italy, and Allen, from Covington, Louisiana, bring their own backgrounds and determination into this matchup.
Local Impact and Significance of the Event
This event is especially significant for the city of New Orleans, marking the return of the UFC after over a decade. Organizers and local leaders emphasize the event’s economic benefits for the region. Governor Jeff Landry has recognized the hosting of UFC 318 as a major economic win for Louisiana, while Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has characterized Poirier’s final fight as a Cinderella story for the local community.
Peter Dropick, Executive Vice President of Event Development and Operations for UFC, highlighted the emotional weight of this event, especially for Poirier, who will retire after this fight. According to Jay Cicero, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, this occasion provides local fans an exceptional opportunity to show their support for Poirier on a global platform.
Tickets and Broadcast Options
Tickets for UFC 318 are expected to go on sale in May, with details about pre-sale registration available on the UFC’s website. For fans seeking premium experiences, UFC VIP Experience packages are also available, offering premium seating and special hospitality options.
As excitement continues to build for this remarkable event, the UFC and local officials anticipate that UFC 318 will deliver memorable moments for fans and athletes alike in New Orleans.
Note that all fight card details are subject to change as the event date approaches, and fans are encouraged to stay updated as UFC 318 draws nearer.
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Additional Resources
- UFC News: UFC 318 Takes Over Smoothie King Center
- Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
- New Orleans Article: Dustin Poirier to Headline UFC 318
- Google Search: Dustin Poirier
- Crescent City Sports: Dustin Poirier to Headline UFC 318
- Google Scholar: UFC History
- MMA Mania: UFC 318 Fight Card Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- MSN Article: Dustin Poirier to Close UFC Career
- Google News: UFC 318
