Dustin Poirier Announces Retirement After UFC 318

News Summary

UFC fighter Dustin Poirier will retire from mixed martial arts after his upcoming fight at UFC 318, where he faces Max Holloway in a trilogy bout. This significant match takes place in New Orleans, marking a homecoming for Poirier. He hopes to conclude his career on a high note while competing for the BMF title. The event has garnered attention as it features a strong lineup, including notable fighters in various weight classes. Anticipation builds for this historic farewell fight that emphasizes Poirier’s connection with his hometown and its fans.

New Orleans, Louisiana – UFC fighter Dustin Poirier has announced that he will retire from mixed martial arts after his upcoming fight at UFC 318, scheduled for July 19, 2025. The event marks a significant moment in Poirier’s career, as he will face Max Holloway in a highly anticipated trilogy fight.

This match is particularly noteworthy as Poirier currently holds a 2-0 record against Holloway. Their previous encounters include a submission victory in 2012, as well as a win for the interim lightweight title in 2019. The fight is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, making it a homecoming for Poirier, who hails from Louisiana.

Adding a local flavor to the event, rapper Lil Wayne is set to walk Poirier out for his final match, highlighting the significance of this bout for both the fighter and his fans. The main card of UFC 318 will showcase numerous top competitors across different weight classes, making for an exciting night of fights.

The co-main event features rising contender Roman Kopylov going up against former title challenger Paulo Costa in the middleweight division. Additionally, Kevin Holland will face Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight bout, and former two-division Bellator champion Patricio Pitbull aims for his first UFC victory against Dan Ige in the featherweight division.

Poirier is looking to conclude his career on a high note, expressing his desire for a “Fight of the Night” caliber battle against Holloway. The UFC 318 event is highly anticipated as it represents the organization’s return to New Orleans after a decade-long absence.

Throughout his career, Poirier has amassed an impressive professional record of 30 wins, 9 losses, and 1 no contest. His most recent fight ended in a submission loss to Islam Makhachev, where he contended for the lightweight championship. Poirier’s matchup with Holloway also marks Holloway’s return to lightweight competition following a knockout loss to Ilia Topuria.

The BMF title will be on the line, with Holloway defending it after securing the title with a notable knockout victory over Justin Gaethje, which earned the accolade of CBS Sports’ 2024 Knockout of the Year. Poirier hopes to cap off his storied career by claiming the BMF title, adding further weight to this final bout.

The prelims for UFC 318 are slated to begin at 8 PM ET, followed by the main card at 10 PM ET. As anticipation builds for this fight, fans are looking forward to what could potentially be a historic moment, not just for Poirier but for the sport as well.

This farewell fight for Poirier is shaping up to be a “beautiful” occasion, showcasing the strong connection he shares with his hometown and its fans.

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• Fox8 Live: Lil Wayne to Walk Out Dustin Poirier at UFC 318
• Wikipedia: Dustin Poirier
• BJPenn: Dustin Poirier’s Expectations for UFC 318
• Google Search: UFC 318
• KATC: Dustin Poirier Prepares for UFC 318
• Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
• 107.9: Countdown to Dustin Poirier’s Final Fight
• Google News: Dustin Poirier