The Ultimate Fighting Championship delivered an emotional and action-packed evening at UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This historic event marked the UFC's sixth visit to New Orleans and first since 2015, providing the perfect stage for one of the sport's most beloved warriors to take his final bow.
The night was headlined by the highly anticipated trilogy fight between former UFC Featherweight Champion Max Holloway and former interim Lightweight Champion Dustin Poirier, with Holloway's symbolic "BMF" (Baddest Motherfucker) title on the line. In an emotional sendoff for Poirier's retirement fight in his home state of Louisiana, Holloway successfully defended his BMF crown in a war that lived up to the massive expectations.
From the opening bell of the early prelims through the main event finale, UFC 318 showcased the depth and talent of the UFC roster, featuring six first-round finishes, dramatic comebacks, and performances that will reshape multiple divisions heading into the second half of 2025.
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UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 Main Card Results
BMF Title / Lightweight: Max Holloway (USA) def. Dustin Poirier (USA) via Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
In the main event of UFC 318, Max "Blessed" Holloway successfully defended his BMF Championship against Dustin "The Diamond" Poirier in an instant classic that provided a fitting conclusion to Poirier's illustrious career. The Hawaiian warrior finally evened the score with Poirier in their third meeting, delivering a performance that showcased volume striking, technical brilliance, and championship heart.
The fight began explosively, with both men engaging immediately in furious exchanges. Holloway came out with urgency, landing a beautiful three-piece combination that visibly rocked Poirier in the opening minute. The former featherweight champion's volume was on full display as he peppered Poirier with leg kicks and body shots designed to slow the Louisiana native down.
Poirier, fighting in front of his home crowd for the final time, showed the toughness and skill that has defined his career. He used sharp jabs to damage Holloway's face and landed a massive right hand followed by a knee that hurt the Hawaiian. The first round saw both men go to the mat briefly, and Poirier nearly secured a guillotine choke after forcing a knockdown.
Round two continued the back-and-forth action, with Poirier landing combinations that had the partisan crowd roaring their approval. However, Holloway's body work was beginning to take its toll. The former featherweight champion targeted Poirier's midsection with kicks and punches, visibly slowing "The Diamond's" output.
The third and fourth rounds saw Poirier look like the sharper fighter at times, landing multiple jabs that continued to damage Holloway's face. The Hawaiian absorbed the punishment and kept coming forward with his trademark volume striking. On the inside, Holloway found success with uppercuts to a tiring Poirier, while body kicks and hooks to the face hurt the Louisiana native.
The fifth and final round brought the Smoothie King Center crowd to their feet. Poirier landed combinations that wowed the audience, but Holloway's body shots proved too much to handle. The Hawaiian continued to land strikes in bunches, and in the fight's most iconic moment, Holloway pointed to the center of the octagon – his signature gesture – inviting Poirier to trade with him one final time.
When the final horn sounded, both warriors embraced in the center of the cage, showing the mutual respect that has defined their rivalry. The judges' scorecards read 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Holloway, who retained his BMF title and finally secured a victory over Poirier after losing their first two meetings.
In his post-fight interview, Poirier was emotional, telling the crowd: "I feel appreciated, I feel seen. This week has been incredible. I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company. I never realized I touched as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams." The 36-year-old officially retired with a record of 30-10 (1 NC), cementing his legacy as one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history.
For Holloway, the victory was a significant rebound after his devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria earlier in the year. The win improved his record to 27-8 and proved he remains one of the most dangerous fighters in combat sports, regardless of weight class.
Middleweight: Paulo Costa (Brazil) def. Roman Kopylov (Russia) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Paulo "The Eraser" Costa turned back the clock with an emphatic unanimous decision victory over rising contender Roman Kopylov, earning his first win in nearly three years. The Brazilian's performance was a throwback to his dominant days, featuring relentless pressure, power striking, and an ironclad chin that absorbed everything Kopylov could throw at him.
Costa, who entered the fight with a dismal 1-4 record since 2020, knew he desperately needed a victory to remain relevant in the middleweight division. The former title challenger came out with bad intentions, dropping Kopylov early in the first round with a thunderous combination that set the tone for the entire fight.
The Russian contender showed tremendous heart, recovering from the early knockdown and attempting to make it competitive. Kopylov utilized his technical striking and movement to create angles, but Costa's relentless forward pressure never allowed him to establish a consistent rhythm. The Brazilian marched forward like a terminator, absorbing shots and firing back with devastating power punches.
Costa's conditioning, which had been questioned in his recent losses, looked vastly improved. He maintained his aggressive pace through all three rounds, never allowing Kopylov breathing room. The Brazilian's body work was particularly effective, landing heavy kicks and punches to the midsection that visibly slowed Kopylov as the fight progressed.
The Russian had his moments, landing clean combinations when he could create space, but Costa's pressure was overwhelming. Every time Kopylov tried to establish his offense, Costa would bull forward with power shots that demanded respect. The Brazilian's chin held up remarkably well, absorbing several clean shots that would have dropped lesser fighters.
All three judges scored the fight decisively for Costa, with two judges seeing it 30-27 and one scoring it 29-28. The victory improves Costa's record to 15-4 and provides a much-needed confidence boost for the 33-year-old. In a relatively shallow middleweight division, Costa's performance demonstrated he still has the tools to compete with the division's elite.
After the fight, Costa immediately called out top contenders, looking to capitalize on his momentum and work his way back toward title contention. For Kopylov, the loss drops him to 14-5 and represents a setback in his climb toward the rankings.
Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez (USA) def. Kevin Holland (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
In what many are calling a Fight of the Year contender, Daniel "D-Rod" Rodriguez scored a stunning upset over Kevin Holland with a unanimous decision victory that featured multiple knockdowns, dramatic momentum swings, and nonstop action. Rodriguez's victory was arguably the biggest of his career and showcased his ability to compete with elite-level competition.
Holland entered the fight as a significant favorite, known for his unorthodox striking and long-range attacks. However, Rodriguez had other plans, coming out with aggression and power that immediately put Holland on the defensive. The California native scored the first knockdown of the fight, landing a clean power shot that sent Holland to the canvas and had the crowd on their feet.
Holland, true to his resilient nature, recovered quickly and began finding success with his length and creative striking. "Trailblazer" dropped Rodriguez in return, showcasing the back-and-forth nature that would define the entire contest. Both fighters threw caution to the wind, engaging in firefights that had the New Orleans crowd roaring.
Rodriguez demonstrated improved boxing fundamentals, landing 77 significant strikes throughout the three rounds. His power was evident every time he connected clean, and his willingness to trade with a dangerous striker like Holland showed tremendous confidence. The California native's pressure never relented, and even when Holland hurt him, Rodriguez continued to march forward.
Holland landed an impressive 82 significant strikes of his own, utilizing his long reach to land from distance and his creativity to surprise Rodriguez with unorthodox attacks. However, the cleaner, more impactful shots came from Rodriguez, who seemed to hurt Holland more frequently throughout the exchanges.
The fight went the full three rounds, with both men exhausted but still throwing punches until the final bell. When the scorecards were read, all three judges saw it 29-28 in favor of Rodriguez, awarding him the unanimous decision victory.
The win extends Rodriguez's winning streak to three fights and improves his record to 20-5. After a rough patch in his UFC career, the 37-year-old has found new life in the welterweight division. For Holland, who drops to 28-15 (1 NC), the loss marks his second in four fights and raises questions about his defensive habits and fight selection going forward.
Featherweight: Patricio "Pitbull" Freire (Brazil) def. Dan Ige (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Former Bellator MMA double champion Patricio "Pitbull" Freire earned his first UFC victory with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Dan Ige, erasing the disappointment of his lackluster promotional debut. The 37-year-old Brazilian looked like his vintage, aggressive self, utilizing his wrestling and pressure to control the action over three competitive rounds.
Many observers had written off Freire after his uninspiring first UFC appearance, questioning whether the former Bellator champion could compete at the UFC level. However, Pitbull silenced the doubters with a performance that showcased the skills that made him a two-division champion in Bellator.
The fight began with Ige looking to establish his striking, utilizing his boxing and movement to keep Pitbull at range. However, Freire had other plans, shooting for takedowns and implementing a wrestling-heavy game plan designed to neutralize Ige's striking advantages. The Brazilian successfully secured multiple takedowns in the first round, controlling position and landing ground-and-pound.
Ige showed excellent defensive grappling, consistently working his way back to his feet and attempting to make it a striking battle. The Hawaiian veteran landed clean combinations when the fight remained standing, showcasing the experience and skill that has kept him competitive in the featherweight division for years.
Pitbull's pressure was relentless throughout the fight. Even when Ige defended takedowns, Freire immediately shot for another, never allowing the Hawaiian to settle into a rhythm. The Brazilian's cardio held up well, maintaining his high-pressure approach through all three rounds.
The third round was particularly close, with Ige finding more success on the feet and Pitbull appearing to slow slightly. However, the Brazilian's work in the first two rounds proved decisive, with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28 in his favor.
The victory improves Freire's UFC record to 1-1 (37-8 overall) and should lead to his breaking into the featherweight rankings when they update. At 37, Pitbull has proven he can still compete with high-level UFC fighters and will be looking to build on this momentum.
For Ige, the loss drops him to 19-10 and marks his third defeat in four fights. The 32-year-old Hawaiian remains a tough out for anyone in the division but will need to string together some wins to work his way back into contention.
Lightweight: Michael Johnson (USA) def. Daniel Zellhuber (Mexico) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Veteran lightweight Michael "The Menace" Johnson opened the UFC 318 main card with a masterful performance, upsetting heavily-favored Dana White's Contender Series graduate Daniel Zellhuber to extend his winning streak to three fights. At 39 years old, Johnson demonstrated that experience and ring craft can overcome youth and hype.
Zellhuber entered the fight as a significant betting favorite, with many expecting the young Mexican prospect to overwhelm the aging veteran. Johnson had other plans, implementing a measured, intelligent game plan that neutralized Zellhuber's athletic advantages.
The first round set the tone, with Johnson using his veteran savvy to control distance and timing. He was sharp and technical on the feet, landing clean strikes while avoiding the big shots that Zellhuber was hunting for. The 39-year-old's footwork was excellent, constantly moving and making it difficult for the younger fighter to trap him against the cage.
Johnson's striking defense, often questioned earlier in his career, looked vastly improved. He slipped punches, rolled with shots, and made Zellhuber miss frequently. When opportunities presented themselves, Johnson countered with precise strikes that scored points with the judges.
Zellhuber showed his skills and athleticism, landing his own quality shots and showing why he's considered a prospect to watch. However, he struggled to impose his will on the crafty veteran. Johnson's experience in big fights was evident, as he never appeared rattled or out of position.
The fight remained competitive through all three rounds, with Zellhuber having his moments but Johnson controlling the overall flow and pace. When the judges' scorecards were tallied, all three saw it 29-28 in favor of "The Menace," marking a significant upset.
The victory improves Johnson's record to 24-19 and demonstrates that reports of his decline were premature. The Missouri native continues to be a competitive threat in the thick of the lightweight division, using his experience and skill to defeat younger, less-experienced opponents.
For Zellhuber, the loss is his second consecutive defeat and drops his record to 15-3. The 27-year-old Mexican prospect will need to reassess his approach and make adjustments if he wants to fulfill his potential in the UFC's most competitive division.
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 Preliminary Card Results
Bantamweight: Vinicius Oliveira (Brazil) def. Kyler Phillips (USA) via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Brazilian bantamweight Vinicius "Lok Dog" Oliveira closed out the UFC 318 prelims with his fourth consecutive UFC victory, surviving early troubles to out-work Kyler Phillips over three competitive rounds. The 29-year-old's gritty performance demonstrated his toughness and ability to adapt when faced with adversity.
Phillips started the fight explosively, clipping Oliveira with a hard shot in the opening minute that visibly hurt the Brazilian. The American smelled blood and poured on the pressure, landing clean combinations that had Oliveira in serious trouble. Recognizing the danger, Oliveira wisely changed his game plan and looked to wrestle.
The Brazilian's takedown attempts were initially unsuccessful, but his persistence in mixing up his attacks eventually paid dividends. Oliveira began landing his own strikes, finding his timing and confidence as the round progressed. His ability to recover from the early adversity showed championship-level composure.
The second and third rounds saw Oliveira take control of the fight. He used his wrestling to neutralize Phillips' striking advantages, securing takedowns and controlling position. When the fight remained standing, Oliveira was the busier fighter, throwing in combinations and maintaining constant pressure.
Phillips had his moments, particularly when he could keep the fight at range and utilize his boxing, but Oliveira's volume and aggression won the judges over. The Brazilian's gas tank never faded, maintaining his high work rate through all fifteen minutes.
All three judges scored the bout 29-28 in favor of Oliveira, who improves to 23-3 overall and extends his UFC winning streak to four fights. The Brazilian has quietly established himself as a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division, with his well-rounded skill set making him a difficult matchup for anyone at 135 pounds.
For Phillips, the loss drops him to 12-4 and snaps what had been promising momentum in his UFC career. The 30-year-old American showed his power and striking skill but will need to develop better defensive wrestling to compete with the division's elite.
Middleweight: Brendan Allen (USA) def. Marvin Vettori (Italy) via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
New Orleans native Brendan Allen thrilled his hometown crowd with a dominant unanimous decision victory over former UFC Middleweight Championship challenger Marvin Vettori, snapping a two-fight losing streak while handing "The Italian Dream" his third consecutive defeat. The performance earned Allen a Fight of the Night bonus and likely secured his return to the middleweight top ten.
Allen, 29, entered the fight needing a statement victory after back-to-back losses had derailed his momentum in the division. Fighting in front of family and friends at the Smoothie King Center, Allen delivered his best performance in years, showcasing the well-rounded game that made him a fixture in the rankings.
The former LFA champion utilized his superior grappling to control much of the fight, securing takedowns and maintaining dominant positions. When Vettori managed to return to his feet, Allen's striking looked sharp and purposeful, landing clean combinations before re-engaging with his wrestling.
Vettori, 32, showed the toughness and determination that has defined his career, continuously working to escape bad positions and land power shots when opportunities arose. However, Allen's pressure was relentless, and the Italian struggled to implement his own wrestling-based game plan.
The fight was highly competitive and action-packed throughout, with both men having success but Allen doing the cleaner, more effective work. The New Orleans crowd roared their approval as their hometown hero took control, particularly in the third round when he nearly finished Vettori with a submission attempt.
All three judges scored the fight in favor of Allen, with two judges seeing it 30-27 and one scoring it 29-28. The victory improves Allen's record to 25-6 and positions him for a significant fight in his next outing. The Fight of the Night bonus earned him an additional $50,000, sweetening what was already an important victory.
For Vettori, the loss drops him to 20-8-1 and extends his losing streak to three fights. The Italian has now lost four of his last five and faces an uncertain future in the middleweight division. At 32, time may be running out for another title run.
Welterweight: Nikolay Veretennikov (Russia) def. Francisco Prado (Mexico) via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Nikolay Veretennikov and Francisco Prado delivered the first fight to go the distance at UFC 318, engaging in an all-action welterweight battle that kept fans on their feet. The Russian's technical striking proved to be the difference in a closely-contested bout that could have gone either way.
Veretennikov was sharp and technical from the opening bell, utilizing precise combinations and good movement to control the action. He hurt Prado in the first round when he slammed his way out of an armbar attempt, immediately transitioning back to his feet and continuing to land quality strikes.
Prado showed tremendous heart and resilience, absorbing punishment and firing back with his own power shots. The Mexican fighter's willingness to engage in firefights made for an entertaining spectacle, with both men landing significant strikes throughout the fifteen-minute contest.
The second round was particularly competitive, with momentum shifting back and forth. Veretennikov's technical superiority was evident, but Prado's aggression and power kept him in the fight. Both fighters had success, making it difficult to score definitively.
By the third round, both men were showing signs of fatigue, but neither relented. Veretennikov appeared to have slightly more left in the tank, landing the cleaner strikes and controlling the pace. Prado continued to press forward, refusing to concede defeat even as the final seconds ticked away.
When the judges' scorecards were announced, one judge scored it 28-29 for Prado, while two judges saw it 29-28 for Veretennikov, giving the Russian the split decision victory. The close scorecards reflected the competitive nature of the bout.
Veretennikov improves his record and continues building his UFC resume with quality performances. For Prado, the narrow loss does little to diminish his stock, as he showed he belongs in the UFC and can compete with skilled opponents.
Middleweight: Ateba Gautier (Cameroon) def. Robert Valentin (USA) via TKO (Punches), Round 1 (1:05)
Cameroonian middleweight Ateba Abega Gautier made a spectacular statement with a lightning-fast TKO victory over Robert Valentin, needing just 65 seconds to secure the knockout finish. The performance was the fastest finish of the night and immediately put the middleweight division on notice.
Gautier came out with explosive aggression, immediately pressing forward and throwing heavy combinations. Valentin attempted to return fire, but the Cameroonian's power and speed were overwhelming. Within the first minute, Gautier had already landed several clean shots that visibly hurt the American.
The finishing sequence was brutal. Gautier landed a perfect combination that dropped Valentin to the canvas, then followed up with punishing ground-and-pound. The American tried to cover up and survive, but the strikes kept coming. Referee Jason Herzog rushed in to stop the contest at 1:05 of the first round, saving Valentin from further unnecessary damage.
The victory was particularly impressive considering the fight had been moved from UFC on ESPN: Lewis vs. Teixeira one week prior for unknown reasons. Gautier showed no signs of rust or disruption from the schedule change, delivering a performance that will certainly earn him a step up in competition.
For Valentin, the loss was a devastating setback, getting stopped in his UFC appearance. The quick finish leaves little to evaluate regarding his skills, but he'll need to work his way back with victories on the regional circuit or Contender Series.
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 Early Prelims Results
Light Heavyweight: Jimmy Crute (Australia) def. Marcin Prachnio (Poland) via Submission (Armbar), Round 1 (4:32)
Australian light heavyweight Jimmy Crute continued his recent resurgence with a slick first-round armbar submission of Marcin Prachnio, showcasing the improved grappling that has revitalized his career. The finish marked Crute's second consecutive first-round submission victory and demonstrated his evolution as a complete mixed martial artist.
Crute, 28, came out looking sharp on the feet, using his boxing to set up takedown attempts. The Australian's striking looked much improved from earlier in his career, with cleaner technique and better defensive positioning. Prachnio attempted to match him in the standup exchanges, but Crute's power and precision were evident.
The decisive moment came when Crute secured a takedown and immediately transitioned to an armbar attempt. Prachnio, 35, defended initially but Crute's technique was too refined. The Australian adjusted his position, isolated the arm, and applied tremendous pressure. Prachnio had no choice but to tap at 4:32 of the first round.
The victory was particularly sweet for Crute, who had endured a difficult stretch in his UFC career. The submission demonstrated that he has addressed the grappling deficiencies that had been exploited by opponents in the past. With his striking and grappling now both threats, Crute presents a dangerous challenge for any light heavyweight.
For Prachnio, the loss marks another setback in his UFC journey. The Polish fighter has struggled to find consistency in the promotion and will need to regroup and reassess his approach to remain on the roster.
Welterweight: Islam Dulatov (Kazakhstan) def. Adam Fugitt (USA) via KO (Left Hook), Round 1 (4:06)
Kazakhstani welterweight Islam Dulatov announced his arrival in spectacular fashion, knocking out Adam Fugitt with a devastating left hook in the first round. The newcomer's power and precision were on full display in a performance that immediately established him as a fighter to watch in the welterweight division.
The fight had been rescheduled multiple times, originally set for UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song in February but postponed when Dulatov suffered a serious injury. The time off appeared to do Dulatov well, as he looked sharp and powerful from the opening bell.
Dulatov used his boxing skills to control the early exchanges, landing crisp jabs and setting up his power shots. Fugitt attempted to close distance and implement his game plan, but the Kazakhstani's timing and power proved overwhelming. At 4:06 of the first round, Dulatov landed a perfectly-placed left hook that shut Fugitt's lights off instantly.
The knockout was clinical and brutal, with Fugitt crumpling to the canvas unconscious. Referee Herb Dean immediately waved off the contest as medical personnel rushed to attend to the fallen fighter. Fugitt eventually recovered but was clearly shaken by the devastating blow.
The victory marks an impressive UFC debut for Dulatov and immediately puts him on the map in the welterweight division. His boxing credentials and power make him an intriguing addition to the 170-pound roster.
Light Heavyweight: Ryan Spann (USA) def. Lukasz Brzeski (Poland) via Submission (Guillotine Choke), Round 1 (2:47)
American light heavyweight Ryan Spann earned his second consecutive victory with a first-round guillotine choke submission of Polish heavyweight Lukasz Brzeski, who was competing one division above his usual weight class. The finish demonstrated Spann's opportunistic grappling and ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes.
Brzeski, typically a heavyweight, dropped down to light heavyweight for this contest but the weight cut appeared to have no negative impact on his early performance. The Polish fighter came out aggressively, looking to use his size and power to overwhelm Spann.
However, Spann's experience at light heavyweight showed immediately. "Superman" remained calm under pressure, using his length and technical striking to keep Brzeski at bay. When Brzeski shot for a takedown, Spann saw the opportunity and immediately wrapped up a guillotine choke.
The submission was locked in tight, and Brzeski's face quickly turned red as Spann squeezed with maximum pressure. The Polish fighter tried briefly to escape but the choke was too deep. He tapped out at 2:47 of the first round, giving Spann the submission victory.
For Spann, the win improves his record to 22-10 and keeps him relevant in the light heavyweight division. The 33-year-old American has been in the UFC since 2019 and continues to be a dangerous opponent for anyone at 205 pounds.
Brzeski's loss was devastating, marking his third consecutive defeat via submission. More troubling, the Polish fighter has now lost six of his first seven UFC fights, putting his roster spot in serious jeopardy. At 34 years old, Brzeski may need to drop back down to heavyweight or consider other options outside the UFC.
Middleweight: Brunno Ferreira (Brazil) def. Jackson McVey (New Zealand) via Submission (Armbar), Round 1 (3:35)
Brazilian middleweight Brunno "The Legend" Ferreira continued his impressive UFC run with a first-round armbar submission of promotional newcomer Jackson McVey. The finish showcased Ferreira's well-rounded game and ability to capitalize on grappling opportunities.
McVey stepped in on short notice after Ikram Aliskerov withdrew due to a broken toe. The New Zealand debutant showed courage in accepting the fight, but the experience gap proved insurmountable. Ferreira, now 5-0 in the UFC, demonstrated why he's considered one of the division's most promising prospects.
The fight began with both men feeling each other out on the feet. Ferreira showed his improved striking, landing clean combinations that backed McVey up. When the opportunity arose, the Brazilian changed levels and secured a takedown, immediately transitioning to mount.
From the dominant position, Ferreira worked methodically to isolate an arm. McVey defended gamely but Ferreira's technique was too polished. The Brazilian extended the arm and applied tremendous pressure, forcing the tap at 3:35 of the first round.
The victory keeps Ferreira's perfect UFC record intact and improves his overall mark to 18-1. At 25 years old, the Brazilian has established himself as one of the most intriguing young talents in the middleweight division. His combination of striking and grappling makes him a complete threat.
For McVey, the loss in his UFC debut was disappointing but taking a short-notice fight against a highly-ranked prospect is never easy. The New Zealand fighter showed heart in accepting the opportunity and can learn from the experience.
Women's Flyweight: Carli Judice (USA) def. Nicolle Caliari (Brazil) via TKO (Knee to the Body), Round 3 (3:30)
Louisiana native Carli Judice opened the UFC 318 fight card in spectacular fashion, finishing Nicolle Caliari with a devastating body shot in the third round to delight the hometown crowd. The victory marked Judice's second consecutive win and established her as a legitimate prospect in the women's flyweight division.
Judice, 26, had lost split decisions in her first two UFC appearances but has now turned the corner with back-to-back victories. Fighting at home in New Orleans, she showcased the improved striking and footwork that have become hallmarks of her game.
The first two rounds were competitive, with both women having success. Judice utilized her range and movement to land clean strikes while avoiding Caliari's power shots. The Brazilian showed toughness and determination, continuing to press forward despite absorbing significant damage.
The finish came in the third round when Judice landed a perfectly-placed knee to Caliari's body. The Brazilian immediately crumpled to the canvas, clearly unable to continue. The body shot was so devastating that referee Mark Smith immediately waved off the contest at 3:30 of the round.
The victory improves Judice's record to 6-2 overall and 2-2 in the UFC. Her striking fundamentals and footwork give her an excellent foundation to build upon, and as she continues gaining experience, the Louisiana native could develop into an even more dangerous fighter.
For Caliari, the loss is a setback in her UFC journey, but she showed heart and toughness throughout the fight. The Brazilian will need to work on her body defense to avoid similar finishes in the future.
Notable Stories from UFC 318
Dustin Poirier's Retirement
The most significant story from UFC 318 was undoubtedly Dustin Poirier's retirement from MMA. The 36-year-old Louisiana native stepped into the octagon for the final time in his home state, providing fans with one last spectacular performance. Despite the loss to Max Holloway, Poirier's career accomplishments speak for themselves:
- Former Interim UFC Lightweight Champion
- 30-10 (1 NC) professional record
- 22-9 (1 NC) in UFC competition
- Notable victories over Conor McGregor (twice), Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, Anthony Pettis, and many others
- Multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses
- Considered one of the greatest lightweights in UFC history
After the fight, Poirier was emotional, thanking the fans and UFC for supporting him throughout his career. He officially retired from active competition and was subsequently removed from the UFC's roster. His legacy as one of the sport's most exciting and skilled fighters is secure.
Fight Bonuses
UFC 318 awarded $50,000 bonuses to two fighters:
Fight of the Night: Brendan Allen vs. Marvin Vettori - This competitive middleweight battle showcased high-level grappling, technical striking, and nonstop action that earned both men extra pay.
Performance of the Night: Due to the number of impressive finishes (six fights ended in the first round), the UFC awarded multiple performance bonuses, though the official recipients weren't immediately announced at the post-fight press conference.
Card Changes
UFC 318 underwent several notable changes during fight week:
- Ikram Aliskerov withdrew on June 30 due to a broken toe, replaced by Jackson McVey
- Neil Magny vs. Gunnar Nelson was cancelled when Nelson withdrew due to a hamstring injury
- Amanda Ribas vs. Tabatha Ricci was moved to UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs. de Ridder
- Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov was moved from UFC 317 to this event
Rankings Implications
Following UFC 318, several fighters can expect movement in the UFC rankings:
Featherweight: Patricio Pitbull should debut in the rankings after his victory over Dan Ige, likely entering around the #15 spot.
Welterweight: Kevin Holland fell out of the rankings after his loss to Daniel Rodriguez, who may crack the top 15.
Middleweight: Brendan Allen likely returns to the top ten after his victory over Marvin Vettori. Paulo Costa's win over Roman Kopylov should stabilize his ranking position.
Lightweight: With Dustin Poirier's retirement, the lightweight rankings will see significant reshuffling. Michael Johnson's three-fight winning streak should earn him consideration for a ranked opponent.
Bantamweight: Vinicius Oliveira's fourth consecutive victory positions him for a step up in competition, potentially against a ranked opponent in his next outing.
First-Round Finish Streak
UFC 318 featured an impressive streak of first-round finishes on the early prelims and prelims. Six consecutive fights ended in the opening round:
- Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari (Round 3, TKO)
- Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey (Round 1, Submission)
- Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski (Round 1, Submission)
- Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio (Round 1, Submission)
- Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt (Round 1, KO)
- Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin (Round 1, TKO)
This remarkable finishing rate demonstrated the high level of skill and finishing instincts displayed by the fighters on the preliminary card.
Hometown Heroes
Two fighters had the advantage of competing in or near their hometown at UFC 318:
Brendan Allen: The New Orleans native thrilled the Smoothie King Center crowd with his victory over Marvin Vettori, earning Fight of the Night honors in front of family and friends.
Dustin Poirier: The Louisiana legend fought his final fight in his home state, providing an emotional conclusion to his illustrious career.
Both fighters received tremendous support from the partisan crowd, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the evening.
Conclusion
UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 delivered everything fans could ask for from a major UFC pay-per-view event. From the emotional main event that saw Max Holloway secure the trilogy victory over Dustin Poirier to the explosive first-round finishes on the preliminary card, the evening showcased the depth and talent of the UFC roster.
Dustin Poirier's retirement marked the end of an era for the lightweight division. The Louisiana native's career was defined by thrilling fights, technical brilliance, and an unwavering willingness to face the best competition. His final fight against Holloway added another chapter to one of MMA's most compelling rivalries and provided fans with a fitting farewell to one of the sport's true warriors.
Paulo Costa's resurgence, Daniel Rodriguez's upset of Kevin Holland, and Patricio Pitbull's first UFC victory provided compelling storylines that will carry into the second half of 2025. Meanwhile, prospects like Brunno Ferreira, Vinicius Oliveira, and Islam Dulatov demonstrated that the UFC's future is bright with emerging talent across multiple divisions.
As the UFC heads toward UFC 319 in Chicago, the performances at UFC 318 have reshaped multiple divisions and created new matchmaking possibilities. From championship contenders to promising newcomers, the fighters at UFC 318 reminded everyone why the UFC remains the premier mixed martial arts organization in the world.
Other UFC Events:
- UFC on ABC 9 Whittaker vs de Ridder
- UFC on ESPN 70 Lewis vs Teixeira
- UFC 317 Topuria vs Oliveira
- Upcoming UFC Events Schedule