Dustin Poirier, on the brink of retirement, is set to face Max Holloway for the BMF title in a momentous event in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at UFC 318. This marks the UFC's long-awaited return to New Orleans after a decade and will be the third showdown between these two fighters.
The current BMF Champion and No. 5 lightweight Max Holloway takes on hometown favorite, No. 6 Dustin Poirier, in Poirier’s retirement bout to cap off his iconic career.
Here's a comprehensive guide to UFC 318, covering everything from fight times to local tips for enjoying the city.
When and Where is UFC 318?
UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3 is on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
The event will be held at the Smoothie King Center, located at 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70113.
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Fight Card and Odds
Here is the UFC 318: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier fight card and odds. Fight card according to ESPN, and all odds via BetMGM, as of Friday, July 18:
Main Card
- Max Holloway (-140) vs. Dustin Poirier (+115)
- Paulo Costa (+190) vs. Roman Kopylov (-235)
- Kevin Holland (-500) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (+360)
- Dan Ige (-220) vs. Patricio Pitbull Freire (+180)
- Michael Johnson (+425) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (-600)
Prelims
- Kyler Phillips (+125) vs. Vinicius Oliveira (-155)
- Marvin Vettori (+165) vs. Brendan Allen (-200)
- Francisco Prado (-150) vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (+125)
- Ateba Gautier (-550) vs. Robert Valentin (+400)
Early Prelims
- Adam Fugitt (+425) vs. Islam Dulatov (-600)
- Jimmy Crute (-325) vs. Marcin Prachnio (+260)
- Ryan Spann (-225) vs. Łukasz Brzeski (+185)
- Brunno Ferreira (-600) vs. Jackson McVey (+425)
- Carli Judice (-350) vs.
How to Watch UFC 318
UFC PPV action continues this weekend from New Orleans with UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3.
Watch UFC 318 with ESPN+
- TV: ESPN (Prelims), ESPN 2 (Early prelims)
- Stream: ESPN+, Disney+ (Early prelims/prelims), ESPN PPV (Main card)
The event timings are as follows:
- Early Prelims: 6:30 PM ET
- Prelims: 8:00 PM ET
- Main Card: 10:00 PM ET
Here is the estimated ring walk time for Poirier vs. Holloway trilogy:
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The main event for the Holloway vs. ET.
The UFC 318: Max Holloway vs. ET on Saturday, July 19. However, the duration of the undercard will affect when Holloway vs. Poirier actually starts.
Ticket Information
Don't miss the chance to witness this epic showdown live!
Tickets are on sale now!
UFC 318 VIP ticket packages may include premium seating, a reserved seat at the ceremonial weigh-ins, all-inclusive in-venue hospitality with UFC Athlete appearances, and more.
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Important Information:
- Mobile tickets only - All tickets must be accessed through your mobile device.
- Cashless Venue - Smoothie King Center is a cashless operation including all concessions, merchandise, and parking.
- Guests may convert their cash to a Master Card at Section 108 near the Guest Services location.
- All bags are prohibited other than clear vinyl bags no larger than 14" wide x 14" height x 6" deep, Gallon Size Ziploc Bags (Limit 1 of either) and Small Clutch Purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5".
Getting to the Smoothie King Center
The Smoothie King Center is located at 1501 Dave Dixon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70113.
There are a variety of ways to get to the arena, including public transportation (RTA bus), rideshare (Uber/Lyft), and taxi.
The Smoothie King Center offers convenient rideshare drop-off and pick-up locations near the stadium and arena.
Between Caesars Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, there is a total of seven (7) parking garages for public parking and two (2) surface lots, which can accommodate approximately 7,000 vehicles. The public parking garages are designated #1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6 and Champions Garage. Parking garages accept credit or debit cards only.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Superdome provides a safe and enjoyable event experience for all patrons. Check here for more information on accommodations in Caesars Superdome.
UFC 318 Fight Week Events
The Official Press Conference kicks off UFC 318 Fight Week.
A select number of athletes competing on the card will share the stage with their opponents, answering questions from the media before facing off. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The full UFC 318 card will take the stage for the ceremonial weigh-ins, where each fighter will step on the scale and face off one final time before Saturday’s event. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Make sure your tickets are ready and arrive early to enjoy the full experience.
Enjoying New Orleans
While UFC 318 definitely takes the cake as the premier event in the city, you can check out our event calendar for what else is poppin’.
How about heading to Tipitina’s for free live music, or checking out the start of Tales of the Cocktail?
Vibrant nightlife and live music are the pulse of the city. Enjoy sports betting at Caesars Sportsbook inside Caesars New Orleans Hotel & Casino.
As for other nightlife, take a deep dive into our live music scene. Whether you club hop on Frenchmen Street or buy tickets to a show at historic Preservation Hall, there’s a little something for everyone, including those under 21!
If you’re wondering where to eat in specific neighborhoods, let us be your guide.
Note that, with the volume of visitors, some restaurants may be closed or fully booked; give your chosen spot a call before heading out.
Our Self-Guided Tour of the French Quarter is an excellent place to begin.
Staying Uptown or in the Garden District? Find where to eat here.
If you want to find a restaurant off the beaten path, well, we’ve got a blog for that too.
Check out our guide to traditional New Orleans food here, and our guide to splurge-worthy restaurants here. Check out our guide to the best steakhouses in New Orleans here.
Lots of sports bars will have the match on the big screens for you to watch.
Local Tips for attending UFC 318: Poirier vs.
Since the city will be packed with fans, we recommend booking dining reservations early.
Since the weekend will be full of UFC fan experiences, why not stay longer to explore New Orleans?
Weather in New Orleans in July
Since UFC 318 is taking place in July, make sure to dress appropriately to stay cool in the hot and humid summer weather.
With highs around 92°F, it's not uncommon for temperatures to reach or exceed 100°F (38°C) during July.
But fear not! New Orleans is equipped with great air conditioning.
Make sure to stay hydrated while having fun, wear sunscreen, and take breaks when you need to.
Dustin Poirier: A Hometown Hero
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Poirier is one of the most respected and accomplished fighters in MMA history.
Poirier made his UFC debut in 2011 and quickly rose through the ranks with his relentless fighting style and resilience.
He’s known for his victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Michael Chandler.
Poirier's decision to face longtime rival Holloway in a match set to take place where he began his career adds a poignant touch. This fight could also be his last chance to win an undisputed title.
Poirier has been contemplating retirement and his official announcement during the 2024 NFL Draft sent shockwaves through the sports world.
Poirier (30-9), the former interim lightweight champion, looks to remain undefeated vs.
Holloway (26-8), the former featherweight champion with a record-setting resume who took home the BMF Title with a UFC Moment of the Year knockout finish at UFC 300, looks to defend the belt and play spoiler to Poirier’s homecoming.
Poirier, with a record of 30 wins and 9 losses, steps into the ring against Holloway, who has 26 wins and 8 losses under his belt. Their first encounter in 2012 saw Poirier emerge victorious by submission in the first round. Their second clash in 2019 ended with Poirier winning by unanimous decision.