The final dance between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier is almost upon us at UFC 318 as the event signals the end of the ‘Diamonds’ retirement from the sport.
A third lightweight clash is expected to light up the UFC octagon as Holloway has the privilege of being the final fight of the 36-year-old’s storied career.
Already, Poirier has said he plans to take steroids once retired, as this week will be the last weight cut he will have to do.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
But the Hawaiian still has his sights set firmly on the top of the 155 division, as he has been quick to give his assessment of Paddy Pimblett’s chances against Ilia Topuria.
With this being his first fight since the brutal Topuria loss, it gives the ‘Blessed One’ increased motivation knowing he can find himself in line for a title shot.
Here is everything you need to know about UFC 318: Holloway vs Poirier 3.
When is UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier
UFC 318: Max Holloway vs Dustin Poirier 3 will take place on July 19th at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans.
What time is UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier
TV coverage for the UFC 318 main card begins at 3:00 AM (BST), in the early hours of July 20th.
American viewers can watch coverage of the event from 10:00 PM (ET) and 8:00 PM (PT).
The preliminary card is expected to start around 1:00 AM (BST), 8:00 PM (ET), and 5:00 PM (PT).
What channel is UFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch the full UFC 318 card on TNT Sports 1 with a subscription to Discovery+.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesUFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier Prelim card
The preliminary bouts for the numbered card are as follows below.
Kyler Phillips vs Vinicius OliveiraMarvin Vettori vs Brendan AllenFrancisco Prado vs Nikolay VeretenikovAteba Gautier vs Robert ValentinUFC 318 Holloway vs Poirier Main card
The main card will kick off at 3 AM (BST), and all the bouts scheduled are below.
Max Holloway vs Dustin PoirierPaulo Costa vs Roman KopylovKevin Holland vs Daniel RodriguezDan Ige vs Patricio PitbullMichael Johnson vs Daniel ZellhuberDustin Poirier prepared to do whatever it takes in his retirement fight against Max Holloway
This build-up has been filled with bittersweet moments as fans and fighters reflect on the legacy of Poirier in the sport.
But there is still a fight yet to go, against a man who is still continuing in his MMA career and looking forward to bigger accolades.
For the New Orleans native, he is keeping focused on the task at hand.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier, he said: “(You may not have to go to that next level) I might have to go to second, third, fourth, fifth gear, you know I am prepared to do that.
“We are both the best we have ever been… He’s a Hall of Famer, so he’s bringing so much fighting knowledge into this fight and so am I.”
Asked how he will feel after retirement, he said: “I don’t know what it is going to feel like, I’m scared.”