UFC 318 Returns to New Orleans with BMF Title Fight

News Summary

UFC 318 is making its return to New Orleans after a decade, featuring a BMF title fight between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. This will be their third meeting, with Poirier holding victories in both previous encounters. The main card also features several exciting matchups, including Paulo Costa versus Roman Kopylov. As anticipation builds, fans can watch the event on ESPN and expect a sold-out crowd. With Holloway favored, the stakes are high as both fighters look to add another chapter to their long-standing rivalry.

New Orleans, LA – UFC 318 is set to take place at the Smoothie King Center this Saturday, marking the UFC’s much-anticipated return to New Orleans after a decade-long absence. The highlight of this exciting event is the BMF title fight between two of the sport’s biggest stars, Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. This clash will be their third encounter, with Poirier emerging victorious in both of their previous matchups.

Max Holloway enters the octagon with a professional MMA record of 26 wins and 8 losses. He previously captured the BMF title by defeating Justin Gaethje in a knockout victory at UFC 300. After that triumph, Holloway moved back to the featherweight division but faced a setback against Ilia Topuria in his following fight. His formidable opponent, Dustin Poirier, hails from Louisiana and boasts a record of 30 wins and 9 losses. Poirier has announced plans to retire following this fight, raising the stakes of their anticipated trilogy.

The main card is stacked with thrilling matchups, including a co-main event featuring Paulo Costa taking on Roman Kopylov. Costa is seeking redemption after a recent loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 302 and aims to get back on track. Roman Kopylov, on the other hand, has shown impressive form, winning six out of his last seven fights, including a notable victory over Chris Curtis.

Additional key fights on the main card include:

• Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
• Dan Ige vs. Patricio Pitbull
• Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber

The event, showcasing a range of critical divisional contests, is expected to generate significant excitement among fans eager for high-stakes battles. Fans can watch the fight on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+. Tickets for UFC 318 are currently on sale, with many predicting a sold-out crowd due to the star power and competitive nature of the matchups.

The rivalry between Holloway and Poirier spans over 13 years, setting the stage for a showdown that has been long-awaited by fight enthusiasts. The face-off between the two fighters took place in Jackson Square, symbolizing the historic connection between the fighters and their hometown fans.

In terms of betting odds, Holloway is regarded as a strong favorite, with odds of more than 2-1 in his favor, displaying confidence in his ability to overcome Poirier this time around. The psychological edge, alongside his championship credentials, adds another layer to the matchup as the fighters prepare to enter the octagon on Saturday.

As the excitement builds for UFC 318 in New Orleans, fans can expect a night of intense competition, storied rivalries, and the potential for unexpected outcomes. With each fight on the card promising its own intrigue, the event is shaping up to be a hallmark occasion in the world of mixed martial arts.

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Additional Resources

• UFC: Fight Preview UFC 318 – Holloway vs Poirier 3
• Sports Illustrated: UFC 318 Max Holloway Rankings Update
• MMA Fighting: UFC 318 Fight Card Start Time
• WWLTV: When is UFC 318 in New Orleans?
• BetMGM: UFC 318 Fight Card Predictions and Odds
• Wikipedia: Mixed Martial Arts
• Google Search: UFC 318
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Mixed Martial Arts
• Google News: UFC 318