All eyes are on New Orleans as Dustin Poirier prepares to cap off his legendary MMA journey at UFC 318. In what could be his final walk to the Octagon, the Louisiana native faces longtime rival Max Holloway for the symbolic ‘BMF’ belt. With retirement looming, the emotion in the air was palpable during Friday’s ceremonial weigh-ins as the hometown crowd erupted for Poirier.
“I love you, Louisiana,” Poirier said to the roaring fans. “This is a dream come true — to end it where it all began.”
The fight week narrative has been marked by deep mutual respect. No trash talk — just two warriors with history. Still, Holloway made it clear he’s not here for a farewell celebration. “I know I’m in enemy territory,” he said. “But I’m here to play spoiler. Don’t blink.”
This will be the third time the two meet in the cage. Their previous battles both ended in victory for Poirier, including the 2019 war that crowned him interim lightweight champion. Now, Holloway enters UFC 318 hoping to flip the script — and take home the BMF title.
Set inside New Orleans' Smoothie King Arena, UFC 318 promises legacy-defining moments. The UFC pay-per-view kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Whether Poirier rides into the sunset or Holloway rewrites history, this main event is a can’t-miss clash.
