Dustin Poirier is set to end his MMA career with a big fight against Max Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 318 on July 19 2025 in New Orleans Louisiana. This trilogy bout, airing live on ESPN pay-per-view, marks Poirier’s final UFC fight in his home state at the Smoothie King Center. While fans are thrilled for the Louisiana native, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen predicts fighting at home could be tough for Poirier.
Sonnen shared his thoughts on his Good Guy Bad Guy podcast, saying:
“It’s a home field disadvantage. Everybody that you’ve ever told from the local pub to your high school what a bada** you are, is going to come out and they’re gonna find out and they’re going to remember. And they’re not gonna care if that guy is undefeated or a champion or a three-time black belt in some kind of division. You either beat him or you didn’t and not to mention all the free tickets they’re gonna want. Not to mention the media push that you’re going to do… It’s a disadvantage.”
Can Poirier Win His Last Fight at Home?
Poirier, 36, has a 30-9 record with 15 knockouts and 8 submissions. He beat Holloway twice before, first by submission in 2012 at UFC 143 and then by decision in 2019 for the interim lightweight title.
Holloway, 33, is 26-8 with 12 knockouts and holds the BMF title after knocking out Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. Poirier’s last fight was a submission loss to Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title at UFC 302 in June 2024.
The fight is a big deal because Poirier wanted a legendary opponent for his last match, initially asking for Justin Gaethje or Ilia Topuria. The UFC chose Holloway, and Poirier is grateful to retire in Louisiana, saying on The Pat McAfee Show, “I’m going to lay my gloves down in Louisiana where it all started for me,”. Sonnen praised the UFC for giving Poirier a winnable fight, noting he’s beaten Holloway twice.
Daniel Cormier and Sonnen said on their podcast that winning is key for Poirier’s legacy. Poirier hopes for a clean win with “no stitches for my daughter,” and dreams of a Lil Wayne walkout.
The event is the UFC’s first pay-per-view in Louisiana in nine years. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $75, per the Smoothie King Center website. Poirier proposed old-school PRIDE rules for BMF fights, like scoring the whole fight. With a tough opponent and home pressure, this fight will be a historic moment for Poirier’s career.
