UFC lightweight star Dustin Poirier has finally revealed his opponent for what he claims will be his final fight in the octagon. Appearing on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show, Poirier announced he will face Max Holloway in a trilogy bout for the BMF championship at UFC 318 in New Orleans on July 19, 2025.
Poirier, a Louisiana native, specifically chose his home state for his farewell fight. "I'm gonna lay the gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me," Poirier stated. "The whole journey started there, and I'm just honored to have the UFC on the same page, and the state of Louisiana on the same page."
This will mark the third encounter between these two celebrated fighters, with Poirier holding victories in both previous meetings. Their first clash occurred in 2012 when Holloway was just 20 years old, while their rematch in 2019 for the interim lightweight championship is widely regarded as one of the greatest fights in UFC history.
According to Statbet analysis, this third bout could be the most competitive yet, with both fighters showing they remain elite despite recent championship losses to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria.
Holloway currently holds the BMF belt after his spectacular last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 last year, widely considered one of the most dramatic finishes ever seen in the octagon.
Poirier expressed his satisfaction with the matchup, saying, "Max is a legend, I said legends only, there is not a better guy I could think to fight in my retirement fight. I was his first fight in the UFC, back in 2012, and he's going to be my last fight in the UFC."
The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans will host this highly anticipated showdown between two fighters who have consistently delivered thrilling performances throughout their careers.
