By FCF Staff

The UFC would have certainly returned to New Orleans at some juncture in the future. But, recently Dana White confirmed that the promotion’s upcoming card in the Louisiana city is to celebrate the career of Dustin Poirier.

Poirier is booked to fight Max Holloway for the ceremonial BMF title at the July 19th event, in what Poirier has said will be the final bout of his remarkable career. While talking to WDSU recently, White had this to say about the Louisiana star and the fact UFC 318 is taking place in New Orleans (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“Throughout the world, Dustin Poirier is a big star for us. He’s accomplished a lot in the sport. This is for him, to be honest with you. This is for him. He wanted to have his last fight and end his career in New Orleans so here we are.”

Following Poirier’s submission loss to then lightweight champ, Islam Makhachev in June, 2024, the former interim champ wasn’t sure if he would fight again. Ultimately, however, the now 36-year-old opted to come back for one more.

“He’s one of the all-time greats,” White also noted about Poirier. “Thousands of people have fought in the UFC, I don’t know where I could rank him but he’s one of the all-time greats.”

Poirier (30-9) approaches his final fight having gone 2 and 3 in his last 5 bouts. Holloway (26-8), who is 33, is coming off a KO loss to now former featherweight champ, Ilia Topuria in October. That defeat snapped the Hawaiian star’s three-fight winning streak.