News Summary
UFC 318 at the Smoothie King Center showcased Dustin Poirier’s final fight, attracting 18,138 fans and achieving record ticket sales of $8.09 million. The event highlights New Orleans’ capacity to host major sporting events, further enhancing its reputation as a championship city. Poirier, a local favorite, concluded his career with a tough match against Max Holloway. The event coincided with other notable gatherings in the city, underlining its vibrant cultural landscape. Local officials look forward to planning more events to boost tourism in the region.
New Orleans witnessed a historic moment for its sports landscape as UFC 318 took place at the Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025, celebrating the final fight of prominent local fighter Dustin Poirier. The event not only sold out, drawing a robust crowd of 18,138 attendees, but also achieved unprecedented ticket sales totaling $8.09 million. This marks the highest grossing gate in the history of the Smoothie King Center, underscoring the city’s capacity to host significant sporting events.
The fight was particularly poignant for Poirier, a Louisiana native, as it marked the conclusion of his professional career. Despite the electric atmosphere and fervent support from the crowd, Poirier faced a tough opponent in Max Holloway, ultimately losing the match by unanimous decision.
The impressive attendance and ticket sales have been celebrated by various local officials who highlighted the significance of UFC 318 for New Orleans. As the president and CEO of New Orleans & Company pointed out, the event further cemented the city’s reputation as a “championship city”, dedicated to hosting major sporting spectacles. The strong participation also contributed positively to the local economy, illustrating the role such events play in enhancing tourism and community engagement.
UFC President and CEO expressed satisfaction with the success of the event, noting the palpable energy and enthusiasm from the crowd throughout the night. These sentiments were echoed by the president and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, who emphasized that UFC 318 was not only a showcase of athleticism but also a celebration of Poirier’s legacy as he returned home for his final match.
Complementing this high-profile event, New Orleans was concurrently hosting the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Youth Gathering, which attracted around 20,000 young people. Additionally, the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail, recognized as the world’s largest cocktail convention, was set to take place from July 20-25 across various venues in the city. These overlapping events highlighted the vibrant cultural and sporting atmosphere in New Orleans during this period.
Following the success of UFC 318, New Orleans & Company announced intentions to plan more summer events and marketing campaigns aimed at amplifying tourism in the region. Furthermore, preparations are underway for the launch of the Amtrak Mardi Gras service on August 18. This service will reconnect New Orleans to Mobile with stops along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, marking a significant development since the disruption caused by Hurricane Katrina.
In conclusion, the success of UFC 318 is a testament to New Orleans’ prowess in hosting large-scale sporting events. UFC officials have expressed interest in returning to the city for future events based on the successful outcome of this milestone fight, assuring fans that more thrilling experiences are likely on the horizon.
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Additional Resources
- WDSU: UFC 318 in New Orleans Sets Record
- Wikipedia: UFC
- WWLTV: UFC 318 Breaks Records
- Google Search: UFC 318 New Orleans
- Fox 8 Live: UFC 318 Shatters Records
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
- NOLA.com: UFC 318 Overview
- Google News: UFC 318 Results
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
