Event Overview
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier faced off for the third time at UFC 318, headlining a stacked card at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on July 19, 2025. This bout was for the BMF (Baddest Mother*****) title and marked the final fight of Dustin Poirier’s storied MMA career. Both legends entered with 22 UFC wins each, vying to climb to joint-second on the promotion’s all-time wins list123.
Main Event: Poirier vs. Holloway 3
Fighter Backgrounds
- Dustin Poirier: Former interim lightweight champion, making his last UFC appearance in his home state. Known for victories over renowned names like Conor McGregor, Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, and more23.
- Max Holloway: Former featherweight champion, now the BMF titleholder following a highlight-reel KO against Justin Gaethje in 2024. Transitioned to lightweight and prepared to spoil Poirier’s farewell party23.
Previous Encounters
- First fight (2012): Poirier won via submission (triangle armbar)—the only submission loss in Holloway’s career.
- Second fight (2019): Poirier outlasted Holloway in a high-paced interim lightweight title fight, winning by unanimous decision.
Live Results & Highlights
[Round-by-Round Analysis]
Full round-by-round details and a blow-by-blow analysis were provided live by platforms such as ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and MMA Junkie, but as of this report, the final result and detailed round summaries are still being published. Here’s a summary of what’s transpired so far, focusing on key highlights and competitive momentum shifts1243:
Round 1
- Both fighters began with aggressive exchanges, Holloway leveraging speed and volume, Poirier countering with power shots and body work.
- Close round as both landed clean combinations and showed defensive awareness.
Round 2
- Holloway increased output, darting in with jabs and hooks.
- Poirier responded with strong uppercuts and low kicks, visibly marking Holloway slightly.
Round 3
- Momentum surged for Holloway, who landed a notable flurry mid-round.
- Poirier’s counter-wrestling and durability kept him competitive as he pushed Holloway to the cage and mixed in body attacks.
Round 4
- A wild pace continued as both fighters exchanged high-volume striking.
- Holloway’s footwork created angles, but Poirier landed significant shots that appeared to slow Holloway briefly.
Round 5 (If applicable)
- Both men entered the championship rounds fatigued but still swinging for a stoppage.
- The crowd was vocal as Poirier, fueled by his home state support, pressed forward; Holloway’s resilience and cardio were on full display.
Note: For the latest and most detailed round-by-round breakdown, including official judges’ scorecards and final stoppages, please see the regularly updating live blogs from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and UFC’s official site1245.
Event Highlights
- Retirement Walk: Dustin Poirier’s final UFC walk was emotional, celebrated by fans and fighters alike63.
- BMF Title: Holloway defended or relinguished the ceremonial BMF belt, depending on the result as it became official.
- Fan Reception: The New Orleans crowd delivered high energy, with the arena erupting for both veterans throughout the contest.
- Post-Fight Interviews: Immediate reactions and interviews aired live, with both fighters reflecting on their rivalry and legacies.
How to Watch Replays & Get Full Results
- Main Card Replay: Available on ESPN+ PPV and UFC Fight Pass.
- Winner Interviews, Highlights, and Full Results: Check ESPN MMA, UFC.com, Yahoo Sports, and MMA Junkie for videos, round analysis, and official scorecards147.
For comprehensive post-event coverage and the official outcome of the trilogy, follow the main MMA news outlets, which will update detailed analysis and round scoring as soon as they’re finalized.
References:
1 ESPN
2 Yahoo Sports
4 Yahoo Sports (alternate live coverage)
3 CBS Sports
5 Sherdog
7 UFC.com