Dustin Poirier lost his UFC retirement fight to Max Holloway in New Orleans. But the Lafayette native left the cage with pride and gratitude. "I’m a kid just living his dream out here. I’m chasing dreams still.

UFC 318 fight card is live tonight at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Time, where to watch, how to stream and PPV cost.

It was a fight UFC matchmakers had tried to make multiple times prior and when it finally came to fruition, it proved worth the wait. Daniel Rodriguez and Kevin Holland came to blows Saturday at UFC 318 and those in attendance at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans were treated to an all-time-wild brawl.

Max Holloway took advantage of his last chance to beat Dustin Poirier with a unanimous decision win over The Diamond at UFC 318 in his opponent's retirement fight in New Orleans on Saturday night.

Brandon Staley is in his first season as New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator. A 19-year coaching veteran, including the last eight in the NFL with three as head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers,

UFC 318 winner Dustin Poirier spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his BMF title victory over Max Holloway in New Orleans.

Aside from Dustin Poirier, his challenger, the next highest earners were UFC veterans Kevin Holland and Michael Johnson, who both earned $21,000 because they’re over the 21 bouts or more threshold.

In the main event, former featherweight champion Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) takes on former interim lightweight champ Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC). The pair will meet for a third time. Poirier has won both meetings (2012, 2019) and is fighting for the final time in his career in front of his home fans.