UFC 318 is around the corner and this time it marks the end of an era. Dustin Poirier is stepping into the Octagon for the final time, having announced that his upcoming bout against Max Holloway at UFC 318 will mark his retirement. According to Bloody Elbow, this is Poirier’s 3rd time with Holloway, with Poirier winning the earlier two bouts.
Wondering when and how to catch UFC 318? We’ve got you covered with all the details.
[What’s Happening] UFC 318 Set for Action as Poirier’s Retirement Bout Takes Spotlight
UFC 318 is built around Dustin Poirier and his final fight. The former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion, is all set to exit from the MMA scene with an amazing record of 30-9-0 (1 NC).
Dustin Poirier has announced that his upcoming bout against Max Holloway at #UFC318 will be the final fight of his MMA career.
THE LAST DANCE FOR THE DIAMOND 💎 pic.twitter.com/UfNJ5bsFhh
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
Poirier made his MMA debut in 2009, and he has fought under featherweight (2011-14), and lightweight (2009-10, 2015-present). In 2011, he made his UFC debut and has been fighting under the promotion since then.
UFC’s CEO Dana White said, Dustin Poirier is a big star not only for their promotion but the whole MMA community.
In an exclusive interview with WDSU Sports, White said, “He’s accomplished a lot in the sport. This is for him, to be honest with you. This is for him. He wanted to have his last fight and end his career in New Orleans, so here we are.”
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[Revealed] Why is Poirier Saying Goodbye to MMA?
It is always family first to MMA star Dustin Poirier.
Poirier disclosed he is retiring to raise his family as the Poirier family is expanding. Mrs. Poirier revealed she is expecting a second baby, a boy, due in December 2025.
View this post on Instagram
He has been married to his school sweetheart Jolie Poirier since 2009. The couple met while they were in middle school — Acadian Middle School in their hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana.
In 2016, they had their first child, a daughter, Parker Noelle.
In a UFC 264 Countdown video, he said, “Not only my daughter but my wife is like an anchor for sure,I don’t think I would be as successful as I am business-wise or fight-wise if she wasn’t in my life at such a young age.”
[Update] UFC 318 Start Time, Venue & Full Fight Card Info
UFC 318 is scheduled to be held at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 19th July 2025. Here we have listed main fight card:
- Lightweight: Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier
- Featherweight: Dan Ige vs. Patrício Pitbull
- Middleweight: Ateba Abega Gautier vs. Robert Valentin
- Middleweight: Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
- Lightweight: Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
Pankaj Kapoor’s Take
Watching legendary MMA fighter Dustin Poirier retirement feels like the end of an era. I have celebrated his victories, felt the sting of his losses and now bracing myself for the very last bout. On one hand, I am incredibly proud, he is doing all this to focus on his family, wife and children.
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