The Dustin Poirier next fight news has arrived, and the former interim lightweight champion's UFC retirement fight goes down this Saturday. But who will "The Diamond" be facing in his last stand?
Also Read: UFC Tonight – Get everything you need to know on UFC 318
Fight fans have not seen Poirier in the Octagon since his UFC 302 loss to lightweight king Islam Makhachev in June of 2024. He has been waiting for the promotion to set up a final fight in his home state sometime this year. Well, the booking is now set, and Poirier will face BMF champion Max Holloway in a trilogy fight on July 19.
Poirier vs. Holloway will headline UFC 318 on July 19
The fight will happen inside the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
The bout will air exclusively on ESPN+
Also Read: Bold UFC 318 Predictions – Will Dustin Poirier Retire with a Win on Saturday Night?
Credit: Jonathan Bachman/Zuffa LLC
The fight between Poirier and Holloway in July will be a trilogy fight. However, unlike many other trilogies, Poirier won the first two matchups. Will he get a clean sweep in his home state for his final fight?
Mental Pressure:Poirier has an obvious edge in this bout after scoring definitive wins over Holloway in their first two clashes. Yet, while he is a pressure player, he will be in a unique situation on July 19. He will headline a rare event in his home state. And he will also go into it knowing it will be the last time he sets foot inside the Octagon.
There is a possibility that the emotions of the moment could be a detriment to the UFC legend on fight night.
Has "Blessed" Gotten Better?In their 2019 rematch, "The Diamond" put a beating on "Blessed" in his first foray at lightweight. He claims he did not undertake the process of moving up in weight the right way. There may be some truth to that suggestion since he looked very good in a KO win over shared opponent Justin Gaethje last year.
Poirier could see a different and more natural lightweight in July.
The Bottom Line:This will be a night for fight fans to celebrate. Not only will two greats of their era face off one more time, but one of the division's most beloved fighters will put on the gloves for the last time.
Prediction:It would be great for Poirier to go off into the sunset with a win. However, with Holloway more used to competing at 155 pounds than he was in their rematch, and the Louisiana native a little older, expect "Blessed" to get revenge at UFC 318. Holloway by decision.
Related: Where does Dustin Poirier land in our current UFC lightweight rankings?
The Diamond: With over a decade of fighting experience inside the Octagon, Poirier is held in high regard by MMA fans. He has shared the Octagon with the likes of Conor McGregor , Justin Gaethje , Michael Chandler , Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira during an iconic career.
Dustin Poirier Record:30-9 (1 no-contest)
Dustin Poirier height:5-foot-9
Dustin Poirier stats:Born in Lafayette, Louisiana, the 36-year-old Poirier has recorded 23 finishes among his 30 career wins, including 16 by knockout.
Poirier trains out of American Top Team in Coconut Creek, Florida.
Poirier was among those featured in the documentary Fightville , which was released in 2011. Tim Credeur and Albert Stainback were also featured, along with Derrick Krantz and Ronny Lis.
After a 7-0 run on the regional scene, Poirier signed with the now-defunct World Extreme Cagefighting.
In 2010, the WEC was merged into the UFC. Poirier made his Octagon debut against Josh Grispi on January 1 at UFC 125. He scored a decision.
During his career, Poirier has earned nine "Fight of the Night" honors and 14 total, which ranks tied for sixth most in the UFC with Anderson Silva. His 22 Octagon wins are tied for the fourth most.
Money is often one of the greatest measuring sticks for a fighter's success. As of 2025, Poirier's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
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