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UFC 318 Live Coverage: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 – All The Action From New Orleans
The Big Easy is about to get a whole lot rowdier tonight as UFC 318 brings one of the most anticipated trilogy fights in recent memory to the Smoothie King Center. Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway are set to settle their score once and for all in what promises to be an absolute firefight in front of Poirier’s home state crowd.
I’ve been covering fights for over a decade, and there’s something special in the air for this one. The energy in New Orleans during fight week has been electric, with locals embracing the UFC’s return to Louisiana for the first time since 2011.
The Main Event: Poirier vs. Holloway 3 – A Rivalry Comes Full Circle
If you’re just tuning in to this rivalry, here’s the quick backstory: Poirier defeated Holloway back in 2012 when both were featherweight prospects. Seven years later, they met again with Poirier taking a second victory in an absolute war for the interim lightweight title.
Now, with both men having established themselves as all-time greats, they meet for what could be the final chapter. Poirier, fighting in his home state, brings his devastating power and technical boxing. Holloway, the volume striking king, enters with renewed confidence after his record-breaking performance against Justin Gaethje.
I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a stylistic matchup. These two know each other so well, and both have evolved significantly since their last meeting.
Full UFC 318 Main Card Coverage
We’re providing complete live coverage throughout the night, including:
- Round-by-round updates of all main card fights
- Immediate post-fight analysis
- Highlights from the post-fight press conference
- Expert breakdown of the night’s action
Main Card Lineup (10 PM ET)
| Weight Class | Fighter | vs. | Fighter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | Dustin Poirier | vs. | Max Holloway |
| Heavyweight | Derrick Lewis | vs. | Rodrigo Nascimento |
| Lightweight | Benoit Saint-Denis | vs. | Renato Moicano |
| Middleweight | Kevin Holland | vs. | Michal Oleksiejczuk |
| Flyweight | Erin Blanchfield | vs. | Natalia Silva |
Hometown Hero Returns
The story of the night has to be Dustin Poirier fighting in Louisiana. I’ve spoken with several locals who’ve never attended a UFC event but bought tickets just to support their native son. The “Diamond” has become one of the most beloved figures in the sport, and the reception he received at yesterday’s weigh-ins was absolutely deafening.
“Fighting in Louisiana has always been a dream,” Poirier told me earlier this week. “No matter what happens Saturday, walking out in front of my people is already a victory.”
What to Watch For on the Undercard
While the main event rightfully commands attention, the supporting cast brings plenty of intrigue:
- Derrick Lewis looks to add another knockout to his record-setting collection
- Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Renato Moicano could steal the show as a sleeper Fight of the Night
- Erin Blanchfield aims to solidify her position as the next title challenger with a win over surging Natalia Silva
The prelims feature several fighters with deep Louisiana connections, including Cody Durden and Chase Hooper, making this truly a celebration of fighting in The Bayou State.
Live Updates Throughout the Night
This page will be continuously updated throughout the event with round-by-round coverage, immediate reactions, and analysis of all the key moments. I’ll be cage-side bringing you every significant strike, submission attempt, and momentum shift as it happens.
The atmosphere in the arena is already building hours before the first fight. This feels like one of those special nights in MMA where something unforgettable is about to happen.
How To Follow Along
Check back throughout the evening as we update this page with:
- Live round-by-round scoring
- Key moments and turning points
- Post-fight interviews and reactions
- Breaking news and fight announcements
Whether you’re watching the fights or just following our coverage, we’ve got you covered with the most comprehensive breakdown of UFC 318.
Join The Conversation
What fight are you most looking forward to tonight? Do you think Holloway finally gets his win over Poirier, or will the Diamond shine in front of his home crowd? Drop your predictions in the comments below!
And remember to keep refreshing this page throughout the night for the latest updates from an evening that promises to deliver everything we love about mixed martial arts.
Source: MMA Fighting
