Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier will fight for the last time inside the octagon at UFC 318 on July 19 in New Orleans. “The Diamond” will take on former featherweight champion Max Holloway in a trilogy bout.
Poirier made the announcement on Friday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
Dustin Poirier will face Max Holloway in their trilogy fight at #UFC318 on July 19 in New Orleans, Poirier announced on The Pat McAfee Show. pic.twitter.com/A4hywhe7C6
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 25, 2025
Poirier (30-9, 1 NC) considered retiring following his UFC 302 loss to champion Islam Makhachev last June but decided to take one last fight before leaving his gloves inside the octagon. The 36-year old began his professional MMA career in 2009. He’s tied for the most ‘Fight of the Night’ bonuses in UFC history.
Holloway (26-8) will be looking to rebound after suffering the fight knockout loss of his career to Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 in October.
Poirier and Holloway first fought at UFC 143 in February 2012 in the featherweight division. Poirier defeated the Hawaiian via submission in the first round. Their paths crossed again seven years later at UFC 236 in April 2019 for the interim lightweight title. The rematch went the distance with Poirier defeating Holloway for a second time.
Smoothie King Center in New Orleans hosts UFC 318 giving Poirier a Louisiana hometown send off.
