July 20, 2025 | By [Your Name], Senior MMA Correspondent
On July 19, 2025, the UFC returned to New Orleans, Louisiana, for UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, a blockbuster event headlined by a trilogy fight for the BMF belt between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Held at the Smoothie King Center, the UFC fight tonight marked the promotion’s first visit to the city since 2015, drawing thousands of fans eager to witness UFC fights tonight and Poirier’s retirement fight in his home state. This news story delves into the UFC 318 results, the storied rivalry of Holloway vs. Poirier, and the cultural significance of this MMA milestone, while providing a comprehensive guide on how to watch UFC 318 and the full UFC fight card tonight.
The Stage is Set: UFC 318 in New Orleans
The UFC 318 card was a pivotal moment in the 2025 UFC schedule, showcasing a blend of veteran stars and rising talents. The event, held at the Smoothie King Center, featured 14 fights, with the UFC main card tonight broadcast on ESPN UFC via pay-per-view (PPV) at 10 p.m. Fans searching for where is UFC 318 were thrilled to learn the event was hosted in New Orleans, a city with deep ties to Poirier, who hails from nearby Lafayette.
The UFC 318 main card was headlined by the highly anticipated Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3, a lightweight clash for the BMF belt. Poirier, known as “The Diamond,” announced that this would be his final Dustin Poirier fight, making the event an emotional send-off for one of the UFC’s most beloved figures. Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, aimed to defend his title and secure his first win in the Holloway vs. Poirier record, where Poirier held a 2-0 advantage.
Holloway vs. Poirier: A Storied Rivalry
The Holloway vs. Poirier trilogy is one of the most compelling rivalries in UFC history. Their first encounter at UFC 143 in February 2012 saw Poirier submit Holloway with a triangle armbar in the first round, marking Holloway’s promotional debut. The rematch at UFC 236 in April 2019 was a five-round war for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier winning by unanimous decision, ending Holloway’s 13-fight win streak. The Holloway vs. Poirier 1 and Holloway vs. Poirier 2 bouts set the stage for a high-stakes third meeting at UFC 318.
Heading into UFC fight tonight, Holloway (26-8) was favored at -140 odds, while Poirier (30-9, 1 NC) was the +115 underdog, according to Yahoo Sports. Holloway, fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii, is renowned for his relentless striking, holding the UFC record for most significant strikes (3,457 in 30 fights). Poirier, from Coconut Creek, Florida, by way of Lafayette, Louisiana, is celebrated for his knockout power and slick jiu-jitsu, ranking joint-first in lightweight knockouts with nine. The Max vs. Dustin trilogy fight was a fitting capstone for Poirier’s 15-year MMA career, which included wins over Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje.
UFC 318 Fight Card and Results
The UFC 318 fight card was stacked with compelling matchups, delivering action-packed UFC fights across multiple weight classes. Below is the complete UFC card tonight, with UFC 318 results as reported by MMA Fighting:
Main Card (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV)
- Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier: Lightweight, BMF title fight.
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov: Middleweight, co-main event.
- Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez: Welterweight, Rodriguez def. Holland via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
- Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull: Featherweight, Pitbull def. Ige via unanimousstrução
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UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 Caps Legendary Careers with Epic Showdown
July 20, 2025 | By [Your Name], Senior MMA Correspondent
On July 19, 2025, the UFC electrified New Orleans, Louisiana, with UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, a landmark event headlined by a trilogy fight for the BMF belt between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Hosted at the Smoothie King Center, UFC tonight marked the promotion’s first return to the city since 2015, drawing thousands eager to witness UFC fights tonight and Poirier’s final Dustin Poirier fight in his home state. This news story explores the UFC 318 results, the historic Holloway vs. Poirier rivalry, and the event’s cultural significance, while providing a comprehensive guide on how to watch UFC 318 and the UFC fight card tonight.
A Historic Night in New Orleans
UFC 318 was a pivotal moment in the 2025 UFC schedule, showcasing a blend of veteran stars and emerging talents. The UFC 318 card featured 14 bouts, with the UFC main card tonight airing on ESPN UFC via pay-per-view (PPV) at 10 p.m. For those asking where is UFC 318, the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans was the epicenter, a fitting stage for Poirier, a Lafayette native, to make his final walk to the Octagon.
The UFC 318 main card was headlined by the Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3, a lightweight clash for the BMF belt. Poirier, known as “The Diamond,” announced this as his retirement fight, adding emotional weight to the UFC fight tonight. Holloway, the reigning BMF champion, sought his first win in the Holloway vs. Poirier record, where Poirier led 2-0. Fans worldwide were eager to know who won UFC 318 and how to access the UFC 318 live stream.
The Holloway-Poirier Trilogy: A Clash of Titans
The Holloway vs. Poirier rivalry is a cornerstone of UFC history. Their first meeting at UFC 143 in 2012 saw Poirier submit Holloway with a triangle armbar in the first round, marking Holloway’s UFC debut. The rematch at UFC 236 in 2019 was a five-round war for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier winning by unanimous decision, halting Holloway’s 13-fight win streak. The Holloway vs. Poirier 1 and Holloway vs. Poirier 2 bouts set the stage for a thrilling Poirier vs. Holloway 3 at UFC 318.
Holloway (26-8), fighting out of Waianae, Hawaii, entered as the -140 favorite, per Yahoo Sports, bolstered by his UFC-record 3,457 significant strikes. Poirier (30-9, 1 NC), from Coconut Creek, Florida, by way of Lafayette, Louisiana, boasted nine lightweight knockouts, tying for the division lead. The Max vs. Dustin fight was Poirier’s swan song after a 15-year MMA career, highlighted by victories over Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje. His Dustin Poirier last fight was a submission loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 302, prompting his retirement decision.
UFC 318 Fight Card and Results
The UFC 318 fight card delivered a night of thrilling UFC fights. Below is the complete UFC card tonight, with UFC 318 results as reported by MMA Fighting:
Main Card (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV)
- Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier: Lightweight, BMF title fight.
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov: Middleweight, co-main event.
- Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez: Welterweight, Rodriguez def. Holland via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
- Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull: Featherweight, Pitbull def. Ige via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
- Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber: Lightweight, Johnson def. Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
Preliminary Card (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+)
- Vinicius Oliveira vs. Kyler Phillips: Bantamweight, Oliveira def. Phillips via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
- Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori: Middleweight, Allen def. Vettori via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28).
- Nikolay Veretennikov vs. Francisco Prado: Welterweight, Veretennikov def. Prado via split decision (29-28 x2, 28-29).
Early Prelims (6 p.m. ET, ESPN2/ESPN+/Disney+)
- Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin: Middleweight, Gautier def. Valentin via first-round TKO (1:10).
- Islam Dulatov vs. Adam Fugitt: Welterweight, Dulatov def. Fugitt via first-round KO (4:06).
- Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio: Light heavyweight, Crute def. Prachnio via submission (armbar, R1, 4:32).
- Ryan Spann vs. Łukasz Brzeski: Heavyweight, Spann def. Brzeski via unanimous decision.
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey: Middleweight, Ferreira def. McVey via submission (armbar, R1).
- Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari: Women’s bantamweight, Judice def. Caliari via first-round KO.
The UFC results tonight showcased the depth of the UFC 318 card, with finishes dominating the UFC prelims. Notably, Carli Judice, a Louisiana native, electrified the crowd with a hometown knockout, as highlighted by ESPN MMA on X. The Holland vs. Rodriguez prediction favored Holland, but Rodriguez UFC pulled off an upset, winning by decision in a competitive bout.
Cultural Significance of UFC 318
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 was more than a fight card; it was a cultural milestone. The event marked the UFC’s return to New Orleans after a decade, with Poirier accompanied to the cage by Louisiana legend Lil Wayne, adding a hometown flair to the UFC main card. The BMF belt, introduced in 2019 to honor the sport’s most ferocious fighters, added symbolic weight to the Poirier vs. Holloway 3 matchup. Poirier’s retirement fight resonated with fans, who celebrated his Hall of Fame-worthy career, as noted by Yahoo Sports.
The UFC 318 results sparked widespread discussion on X, with posts like @FightBookMMA reporting key outcomes, such as Michael Johnson’s upset over Daniel Zellhuber. The UFC tonight results highlighted the event’s competitive nature, with fans debating who won the UFC fight tonight and the legacy implications for both fighters in the Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 main event.
How to Watch UFC 318
For those wondering how to watch UFC tonight or where to watch UFC 318, the event was accessible via multiple platforms. The UFC 318 PPV cost $79.99 on ESPN+, with prelims on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and ESPN2. In the UK, TNT Sports and discovery+ offered coverage. Fans searching for UFC 318 free stream, crack streams UFC 318, or UFC 318 stream free were cautioned against illegal platforms due to security risks. The UFC 318 start time was 6:15 p.m.
The Legacy of Holloway and Poirier
Both Holloway and Poirier are UFC legends, tied for second in UFC wins (22) and poised to join elite company with a 23rd victory. Holloway’s record-setting striking and Poirier’s knockout prowess made their UFC fight tonight live a must-watch, as noted by CBS Sports. The UFC 318 time and what time is the UFC fight tonight were critical for fans tuning into the UFC live stream. The event’s emotional weight, with Poirier’s retirement and Holloway’s quest for redemption, cemented UFC 318 as a defining moment in UFC events.
Conclusion
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 delivered a night of unforgettable UFC fights, blending high-stakes competition with emotional resonance. The UFC 318 results showcased the sport’s depth, from local hero Carli Judice’s knockout to Rodriguez UFC’s upset over Holland. As fans reflected on who won UFC 318 and the UFC tonight card, the event underscored the enduring legacy of Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Whether accessed via UFC 318 live or stream UFC 318, this event was a testament to the heart of MMA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the main event of UFC 318?
A: The main event was a BMF belt fight between Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier, marking their third encounter and Poirier’s retirement fight.
Q: Where and when did UFC 318 take place?
A: UFC 318 was held on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Q: How could fans watch UFC 318?
A: The UFC 318 PPV was available for $79.99 on ESPN+, with prelims on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and ESPN2. UK viewers used TNT Sports and discovery+.
Q: What were key UFC 318 results?
A: Notable results included Daniel Rodriguez defeating Kevin Holland, Patricio Pitbull defeating Dan Ige, and Michael Johnson defeating Daniel Zellhuber, all by unanimous decision.
Q: Why was UFC 318 significant for Dustin Poirier?
A: It was Poirier’s final UFC fight, a homecoming in Louisiana, and a chance to win the BMF belt against Max Holloway.
Sources
- UFC: Official Website
- ESPN: UFC 318 Live Coverage
- MMA Fighting: UFC 318 Results
- CBS Sports: UFC 318 Complete Guide
- Yahoo Sports: UFC 318 Live Updates
- Goal: How to Watch UFC 318
- IndyStar: UFC 318 Fight Card Odds
- MMA Mania: UFC 318 Start Time
- Tapology: UFC 318 Event Details
- Wikipedia: UFC 318 Overview
